David Godfrey Austin

An exceptionally devoted father and husband, David Godfrey Austin, 86, succumbed to brain cancer (glioblastoma) on April 7. Dave was born on Valentine’s Day in 1930 to Natalie Daisy (Godfrey) and Lester Frank Austin in Aberdeen, SD.

Narrowly escaping being named Valentino, David went on to enjoy a full life with a tremendous variety of interests, beginning at a very young age. He started working at age 14 selling popcorn in Denver outside the Capitol. He worked various summer jobs throughout his youth, traveling with his good friends to points north and west, including Wyoming and Idaho. He kept in touch with friends from the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) all of his life.

Dave graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with a BS in agricultural sciences. He was also in ROTC. While serving our country in 1953 he met his true love, Marjorie Davis, at a United Service Organization (USO) dance at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. Although he brought another date to the dance, he was immediately besotted with Margie, and asked her for her number. Their first date was on his birthday in 1953 and they were married on May 23, 1953.

Shortly thereafter, he was called to duty in the Korean War, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1954 as a 1st Lieutenant, when he resumed his life with Marge. They spent 63 years wonderful years together and raised three children.

A life long Republican and dedicated Christian, Dave spent more than 30 years as a salesman and eventually customer service manager with US Borax and Chemical Company (now Rio Tinto). This career brought Dave and his family to Los Angeles and Colorado and back, eventually settling in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where their children attended school.

After retirement, they moved to Fallbrook where Dave actively pursued his many interests including leather work, golf, and oil painting.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie; children,

Stephen David Austin (Cindy) of Palmdale; Julie Marie Austin of Carlsbad; John Davis Austin of San Diego; grandchildren Chloe and Delaney Austin; step-grandchildren Robert and Jessica Kennelley; step-great grandson Kayleb Kennelley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his older brother, James F. Austin of Fort Collins, Colo., and younger sister, Lorna Means of Mesa, Ariz. He was predeceased by his sister, Anita Watson of Fort Collins.

Graveside services were held April 22, 2016 at Eternal Hills Cemetery in Oceanside, Calif. with full military honors.