Obituary of Dwight Joseph Austin

Dwight Joseph Austin peacefully passed away on November 8th, 2023 at 9:30pm, surrounded by family at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Dwight is the younger son of Ida B. Austin and Myron J. Austin. Born on March 31, 1932, he lived a long, fulfilling life at 91 years that was full of love, happiness, and joy. 

Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Dwight met and fell in love with his childhood friend Carolyn Watters. Their first date took place

70 years ago on New Years Eve, and they have been together ever since. Married for 67 beautiful years, they share two sons,

and have lived in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Crystal Lake, IL, and NokomisThey are the definition of true love, twin souls finding each other early in life, and staying true throughout their time together. 

Dwight is survived by his wife, Carolyn Austin, and their two sons Dwight Edward "Ed" and William Joseph "Joe" Austin.

He is also survived by his brother, Myron “Mike” Austin, who resides in Dallas, Texas.

Brother-in-law William "Bill" Watters, and neices and nephews Karla,Bob, Bill, Kim, and Fances

Dwight was not only a caring and loving father, but also a grandfather, great grandfather, and a great great grandfather.

His older son, Ed, and his wife April,  live in Fox River Grove, IL and have three children- Jason, Adam, and Melissa Austin.

His great grandchildren on that side are Autumn Crampton, Kayla Austin, Madison Tubbs, Aiden Austin, and Logan Austin.

His great great grandchild is Autumn’s son, newborn Malcom Crampton. His younger son, Joe, and his wife Clare live in

Downers Grove, IL with their three children- Amanda, Ashley, and Bobby Austin. His great grandchild on that side is Ashley’s 4 month son,

Brooks Honn. 

Dwight loved his family, and always remembered everything about them. He always kept track of their milestones, their accomplishments,

and their lives on the paperback calendar sitting out on the kitchen counter.

He was truly dedicated to his family, and even when they were in a different state, his love and support never wavered. 

He was always a warm and charming man, greeting everyone with a wide smile and a big “well hi there!”

He was a man who truly loved his life, and lived it on his own terms, and his family and friends loved him right back. 

Not only was Dwight cherished by friends and family, he was well respected in his career and community.  His career in the Paper Industry has many shining accomplishments and awards. To this day, former colleagues and members of the paper industry comment how he was an incredible salesmen, with the most genuine demeanor and quick wit that instantly had people gravitate toward him. He also served in the military from September 1953- June 1955 in the 3rd Armored Tank Division, starting as a company clerk and advancing to the rank as Corporal upon his exit. As an active community member, he served as a member in the Green Hills Country Club,Lifelong Golfer, the Shriners, and a board member of the Mission Valley Country Club. 

For anyone who had the privilege of knowing Dwight, or even met him a brief time, knew he loved the sport of Golf. Combining mental strength, and natural grace and athleticism, the golf course was a second home to Dwight. Throughout his life, and to this day, people comment on his “effortless swing” that left people in awe. He shot 3 hole-in-ones in his life. One in Ohio, one in Missouri, and one at his country club in Nokomis, Florida. He loved the sport, and enjoyed achieving a final score that was lower than his age. He always had a group of buddies out there with him in retirement, playing every Tuesday and Thursday. The golf course was his second home, and when he was on it, his talent truly shined. Dwight also was a life long baseball fan, in his youth the Brooklyn Dodgers were his team. Then when the family moved to Cincinnati the whole family became Reds fans and baseball became a family affair. Dwight was also a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, and The Shrine

Dwight was a warm, kindhearted, and witty man, who loved his family and friends with his whole heart. Not one to stray from his mind when he made it up, he passed away  in Florida, a place he always referred to as his paradise. Without him, it’s not quite as sunny in the sunshine state, but his warm smile, loud chuckle of a laugh, and kind demeanor live in the hearts of his family and friends. His life was truly a blessing.

A graveside service will be held on March 8th at 1:30pm at Sarasota National Cemetery with Jane Kunzie-Brunner with a gathering of friends in his home to follow.

In lieu of sending flowers, please donate in Dwight’s name to the  Murat Shrine Children’s fund in Indianapolis, IN.