Graveside memorial service for Cecil W. Austin, 71, will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, April 10, 2009 at Highland Cemetery with Jim Antwine, officiating.

Mr. Austin died Monday, March 30, 2009, in Tucson, Arizona.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

He was born September 21, 1937 in Bonham, Texas to Thomas A. and Lillie Mae Austin. His family moved to Tipton, where he attended school. He lived in Frederick and Altus at various times, before settling in Lawton. He married Sanda Austin on June 18, 1971 in Frederick. He was self-employed as a landscaper, owning and operating Austin’s Tree Service for over 25 years. He also devoted a great deal of time to the youth sports programs of the Lawton Parks and Recreation, volunteering many years as a baseball and football coach.

Survivors include his son and a daughter-in-law: Shane and Valerie Austin, both of Willcox, Arizona; two granddaughters: Rebecca and Ella, both of Willcox, Arizona; a brother and sister-in-law: Boyce and Leana Austin, both of Oklahoma City; a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Sanda Austin; two sisters: Estelle and Luella; three brothers: Woodrow, Eli, and Thomas T.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Hospice Foundation at www.nationalhospicefoundation.org.