Joseph Wells Austin

Joseph Wells Austin, our beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away on May 15, 2020 in Provo, Utah. He was born March 10, 1930 to Matthias Wells Austin and Lovina Ruth Larkin Austin. He was married to the love of his life, Rea Alice Kropf on December 15, 1954 in the Logan Temple.  She preceded him in death on April 6, 2011. He was heartbroken when she died, and he missed her terribly since her passing.

Joseph served in the Korean War as a Personnel Specialist in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was privileged to be able to fly with Honor Flight of Utah in 2018 to visit the memorials honoring our veterans. It was a highlight that he spoke of often.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as a young missionary to the Eastern States Mission. He also served three additional missions with his wife before her passing. He has served in many capacities in the church, he loved his time as a scout master and earned the Silver Beaver Award, a Bishop, Branch President, and many other various callings. In his later years he was an Indexer and Extractor for Family History. If it was cold outside or he just had a few minutes to spare, you would find him Indexing on his computer. He loved the Savior and was an excellent example of Christlike love and service.

Joseph is survived by his 2 sons and 3 daughters, Bryant (Janae) Austin, Kenneth (Denise) Austin, Melvina Austin, Lynette Austin and Karlene Austin; 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. His 4 sisters and 1 brother, Melva (Jack) Hill, Erma (Frank) Anderson, Harriet (Art) Black, Nola (Ray) Alton, and Hyrum (Marlene) Austin. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and 2 siblings, Agnes Austin, and 2 days prior to his passing, his sister Veda (Glen) Hill.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Wheeler Mortuary Mapleton at 82 West 400 North in Mapleton, Utah. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery located at 1997 S. 400 East, Springville, Utah.