Walter Austin

Walter D. AustinFuneral services for Walter D. Austin, age 67, of Simsboro, LA will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Greg Tipton and Bro. Scott Jennings officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Mineral Springs Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.Mr. Austin died Saturday, January 5, 2008 following a brief illness. He retired from the Louisiana Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the Mineral Springs Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean Baker Austin; his parents, Otto and Haley Austin; brother, Mark Austin; and grandson, Jacob Andrew Barnette.He is survived by his children: Dennis Austin and wife Kayla of Dubach, LA; Pam Austin Driskill and Johnny Sherill of Choudrant, LA; Mickey Fitzgerald and wife Brigitte of Ruston, LA; Ragan Baker and wife Amy of Athens, LA; Matt Baker and wife Jeni of Bossier City, LA; Joan Gates and husband Mike of Farmerville, LA; Special Grandchildren; Kyley Jones, Heath and Shane Fitzgerald, Nikki Driskill, Lane Austin, Jody Barnette, Alex, Kylie, Matt, Christina, Cassie and Wyatt Gates; Brittney, Cortney, Drew, Austin , Justin, and Brandon Baker; great grandchildren, Austin, Tyler, Hunter, Andie, and Jared; sister, Pete Franklin of Dubach; sister and brother-in-law, Celia Glass and husband Bobby of Homer; brother, Jim Austin and wife Mary of Ruston; sister-in-law, Jean Austin of Choudrant; numerous special nieces, nephews, and many special friends; and three special girls, Joan Gates, Kyley Jones, and Nikki Driskill.Memorials may be made to the Mineral Springs Baptist Church or St. Judes Children?s Hospital.Pallbearers will be Tommy Boddie, Alan Cooper, Charles Griffin, Kevin Duke, Matt Driskill, Rodney Colvin, Ricky Barmore, and Max Otwell.Visitation will be 5:00 until 8:00 PM Monday, January 7, 2008 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.