Gary Lloyd Austin, of Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the age of 80. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”… II Timothy 4:7.  
He was born on Feb. 7, 1944, in Long Beach, Calif. One of three sons born to Minnie A. Eckerman and Therian E. Austin. At the young age of 20, he married Carola Jean Fluke in Winona Lake on June 6, 1964. Gary and Jean would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. They were blessed with raising three children to love the Lord and later enjoyed their new role as grandparents.
Gary graduated from Brethren High School in Long Beach, Calif. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Grace College in Winona Lake and went on to earn his Master of Science in Elementary Education from St. Francis and his Master’s of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary. Gary spent his life being a servant of his Lord as a teacher, missionary and pastor. Gary loved teaching the many students he taught over the years. He and his wife Jean shared their love of the Lord in 1975 by moving to the Central African Republic with Grace Brethren Missions. He taught elementary education at the Missionary Children's School as well as teaching pastors in the Bible School. Gary and his family returned to the U.S. after 15 years of service. With a servant’s heart he lead many to the Lord and spread the Word as a pastor for 20 years until retiring in 2010.
He was a member of Grace Brethren Church in Winona Lake where he enjoyed worshiping with his family and friends. Throughout his life he was an avid reader and never tired of being a lifetime student of the Bible. He was a member of the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers and Heartland District Pastors in Indiana. Gary LOVED people and enjoyed many a conversation with friends and strangers. He was sincerely interested in people’s lives and was a wonderful listener. Gary loved his wife and was a devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather and a friend to many. He is remembered for his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ and he is now truly home in Heaven!
He leaves behind his wife, Jean Austin, Winona Lake; daughter, Deborah (Jim) Momeyer, Grand Rapids, Mich.; and two sons, Mark (Julie) Austin, Bristol; Jonathan (Lindsey) Austin, Spring Lake, Mich. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: David (Maddie), Emily, Timothy, Lauren and Ryan Austin; Michel, Peter (Aleecia) and Jena Momeyer; Joie and Joshua Austin; and his brother, Gordon Austin, Winona Lake. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Austin.
Friends and family are invited to share a time for visiting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Gary’s life will be celebrated with a service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 25 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, and officiated by Pastor Kip Cone. There will be a private family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Water for Good, 9511 Angola Court, Indianapolis, IN 46268; or to Three Strands, P.O. Box 753, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.