T. Edward "Ed" Austin (48) of Houston, TX, formerly of Effingham

T. Edward “Ed” Austin, 48, passed away at home in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family on March 6, 2023, at 5:06 p.m. after a 14-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme.

Ed was born in Effingham, Illinois, on October 2, 1974, to his parents William W. and Jane Brumleve Austin. He attended St. Anthony school for his primary and secondary education and graduated in 1993. Upon graduation, he embarked on his university experience at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Ed graduated in 1997 with a degree in mechanical engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He enrolled in his Aviation Branch Service school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to become a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot. He graduated from this flight course in 1998.

Ed’s Army career took him across the globe which allowed him the opportunity to meet and experience people from many cultures and backgrounds. During his service from 1997 to 2006, he was stationed in Alabama and Georgia stateside, South Korea, Bosnia, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan overseas. He rose to the rank of Captain and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as part of his 9-year service in the Army. Edward received decorations for his time in service, including 2 Bronze Star Medals, multiple Air Medals, Air Medal with Valor, and multiple Army Meritorious Service Medals, to name a few.

Ed married Amanda Clark on October 10, 1998, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  They have three children, who are Ed’s pride and joy, Gabriella and Crews, and their “bonus” daughter, Kyoungmin Kim of Seoul, Korea and Los Angeles, California.

Upon his resignation from the U.S. Army in 2006, Ed attended the University of Illinois for his Master of Business Administration, specializing in Finance. After graduation in 2008, he took a position with ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas. His work in Gas and Power Marketing at ExxonMobil took him around the world, affording him the opportunity to develop relationships and work with many of the great minds in the energy sector. He loved his work and the diversity of people and experiences he was able to have. He credited these experiences with shaping his worldview, which was compassionate, tolerant, respectful, and empathetic. Edward lived overseas in Qatar and Singapore during his almost 15 years with ExxonMobil. These assignments brought him a tremendous amount of joy and many important, lasting relationships.

Ed’s professional life only worked to fuel his private interests. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, open water swimming, and camping. He participated in trips with new and old friends all over the world that allowed him to engage in these cherished endeavors. Ed was a gifted cook and loved to integrate regional dishes from areas where he had traveled. Fortunately, he loved to eat as much as he loved to cook.

Ed was known for his inability to carry a tune or touch his toes, and his ability to do almost anything else. He was able to learn complex information quickly and thoroughly, often giving him an advantage in new endeavors. He never shied away from taking on a new personal or professional project, or simply trying to learn something new just for the sake of education. His calm, steady demeanor has been an asset in both of his careers, and probably his greatest in his home. Primarily, his humility, servant heart, and love for others will be what is remembered most. He adored his children and worked hard to set an example of integrity, service, good character, and kindness for them, which stems from his Christian faith. His love for God and humanity was felt in every interaction.

Ed is survived by his wife, their children; his parents; sister Hilary (Stephen Blumenreich) and nephews, Spencer, Griffin, and Carter, of Bronxville, NY; mother-in-law Sandra Clark, sister-in-law Paige Strawn (Chris Neal), of Mt. Vernon, IL. He was preceded in death by his grandparents T. Edward Austin and Frances Crews Austin, Lawrence Brumleve and Frances Hakman, and father-in-law Dennis Clark.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 3, at 11 a.m., at Houston Northwest Church, 19911 Texas 249 Access Rd., Houston, TX. Refreshments and fellowship to follow at the church. A private family service will be held at Oakridge Cemetery with a celebration of life event in Effingham, IL on April 22. Edward’s remains will be inurned at either Arlington National Cemetery or West Point Cemetery at a later date.  

Memorials can be made in Edward’s name to The Mission Continues at missioncontinues.org or Covenant Academy, 11711 Telge Rd.,  Cypress, TX 77429.