Vernon Lee Austin

Funeral services for Vernon Lee Austin, 86, of Gainesville, are set for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2014 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with the Rev. Hollis Parsons officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Vernon was born in Gainesville on June 12, 1927 to Raymond Etheridge and Ludell (Ford) Austin. He passed away on December 29, 2013 in Sherman.

Vernon graduated from North Texas State University with a Masters in Psychology, a Masters in Education, and a BBA in Administration. After serving many positions, including that of Assistant Superintendent of schools for GISD, he retired in 1986 after 34 years with the school district. He was also an adjunct professor for Cooke County Junior College, and served as a guidance counselor for Muenster Independent School District. Vernon was an avid volunteer at North Texas Medical Center; he also served on their Foundation Board for ten years. He was a WWII veteran serving with the 15th Air Force in Alaska, and was also a Mason for over 60 years.

He is survived by his brother Charles Austin of Ft. Worth; niece Elaine Harris of Grand Junction, CO; niece Linda Cook from Coppell; niece Diane Johnson and her husband Eric from Madison, WI; nephew Ken Austin and his wife Mary of Nacogdoches; nephew Dale Embry and his wife Jane of Houston; niece Elaine Mullins of Robinson; nephew Ricky Austin; nephew Matt Allen; and brother in law Theo Embry and his wife Helen of Cleburne.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Naomi; brother W. Ray Austin; sister Anita Allen; and brother Donald Austin.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, especially Judy Roberts and James Lovett, who supported him and made it possible for him to remain at home.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the North Texas Medical Center in Gainesville.