Gary L. Austin, age 83, of Woodville, passed away at home, surrounded by his wife and family, on October 1, 2025. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on June 3, 1942, to George and Evelyn (Morgan) Austin.

On September 20, 1959, Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served proudly until his honorable discharge in 1963. While serving, Gary married Donna Beadle, and they had three children. They later divorced. Upon entering the civilian world, Gary worked as a journeyman meatcutter and department manager for Seaway Foodtown, where his career lasted 39 years, until the sale of the company.

Gary was always busy volunteering or following his kids’ and grandkids’ events. While living in Genoa, he served on the Genoa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Later, living in Pemberville, he loved his volunteer work with the Pemberville Free Fair Board, and served as fair board president. He was proud to be a part of the team to bring the United States Marine Corps Band to the Pemberville Free Fair, the Pemberville Historical Society, and he was a lifetime member of the Pemberville American Legion Post 183 and its honor guard. Gary was a member of the Genoa Masonic Lodge and, while a Shriner, was a van driver, chauffeuring children to and from Shriners Childrens’ Hospitals in Chicago and Cincinnati.

November 1982, Gary married Diana Samson-Woodward; a marriage made of deep love and happy memories. Gary loved his children and was proud of each one of their accomplishments. Upon retirement, Gary and Di traveled the U.S. for several years in their RV, making many friends along the way. Gary never met a stranger. His warm smile and happy demeanor made him welcome everywhere he went.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diana (Di), and children, Deanna (Terry) Buckley, Martin, Ohio; Christine (Brian) Wilson, Peoria, Arizona; SMSgt (ret) Douglas (Amy) Austin, Guthrie, Oklahoma, and Timothy (Jennifer) Austin, Genoa, Ohio; grandchildren, Brendan Buckley, Brittany Buckley, Lauren Volk, Paul Volk, USAF MSgt Andrew Austin, Alexander Austin, USAF Captain Evan Austin, Sage Austin, Tyler Austin, Jessica Austin, Emily Austin and Ruby Le; greatgrandchildren, Gemma Buckley, Cooper Buckley, Lucas Smith-Austin-Volk, Austin Volk, Tyler Martikan, Kinsley Martikan, Isabelle Martikan, Samuel Austin, Claire Austin, Liam McVicker, Dorothy McVicker, Carson Austin and Jaxon Austin, and great-great-grandson, Kade Martikan.

He also is survived by his brothers, Richard Austin, Brooklyn, Michigan; Ken (Marian) Austin, Williston, Ohio; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Dennis Chenetski, Delaware, Ohio; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Erica Samson, Rossford; sister-inlaw, Sherry Samson, Toledo, and many more nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his son, Captain Scott F. Austin, U.S. Army Special Forces; parents, George and Evelyn Austin; brothers, Greg Austin and Charles Austin; sisters, Joan Young, Shirley Ball and Marlene Draves; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Dorothy Samson, and brothers-in-law, Michael and William Samson.

Per Gary’s wishes, burial will be private. Memorial contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or to Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio, 150 West South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

A special thank you to the amazing team from Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Amy, Sherry and Julie, for the love and support given to Gary and the family during his long goodbye. His home care was made so much easier with your support.