Austin L. Spain

AUSTIN L. SPAIN, age 85, of Hobart, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on October 23, 1928 in Newbern, Tennessee.  Austin served his country in the US Army at the end of WWII and then was called to active duty while in the US Army Reserves during the Korean War. He married Lou Ella "Lucy" Fultz on April 4, 1947 in Corinth, MS.  He was a retired Boilermaker Local 374, a member of VFW Post 5365, and formerly belonged to the Izaak Walton League of Hobart.  Austin was very involved in Hobart Little League from 1961-1978 and served for 9 years as president and also as a team manager and coach.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Austin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lou Ella "Lucy" (nee Fultz); 5 children, Gary (Diane) Spain of Hobart, Rita Rushing of Patterson, CA, Marty (Cheri) Spain of Hobart, Warren "Muggs" (Lorrie Ward) Spain of Westville, and Terry (Cheryl) Spain of Hobart; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sister, Alice Grinstead of Phoenix, AZ; many nieces, nephews and other loving family.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents; son, Eddie Spain; 4 brothers and 5 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Austin's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

A funeral service for Austin will be Monday, March 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart with Rev. Duane Schmidt officiating.  Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery.  Visitation is Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. VFW Service at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, (219) 942-2109 or go online to extend online condolences at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.