A. Allen Austin (92) of Mason

A. Allen Austin, 92, of Mason, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Per his wishes, Allen will be cremated and a private family graveside will be held at a later date in Mason Union Cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Allen was born on June 23, 1932, in Jackson Township, Effingham County, IL, the son of William Harvey and Geneva Rose (Parks) Austin. He married Shirley Marie Cornwell on October 22, 1952. Shirley was the love of his life. His children, Danny and Brenda, have many fond memories of him singing "I'm Walking The Floor Over You" to Shirley. Every evening when Shirley was washing dishes after supper Allen would put his arm around her and tell her how much he loved her. They shared 55 years together and she preceded him in death on their 55th wedding anniversary, October 22, 2007. Allen was proud to have served his country as a corporal in the United States Army. He was an MP and was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Allen worked in the oil field all of his life, from the age of 15 up to earlier this year when he was co-owner in Southern Illinois Drilling. He had a wonderful work ethic and was a man of integrity. For Allen, the term “hard worker” was an understatement. He was a book of knowledge when it came to the oil field and never asked anyone to do something he was not willing to do himself. Even after all the years working, Allen had a great memory of the different places work had taken him. Family was important to Allen and he enjoyed spending time with them. He attended Keen's Chapel Church every Sunday where his daughter is pastor. He enjoyed traditional bluegrass music and always looked forward to the time spent with his coffee buddies.

Allen is survived by his son, Danny (Judy) Austin; his daughter, Brenda (Bob) Byers; great-grandsons raised as his own sons, Danny Allen Austin and Brandon Austin; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; and brother, William Earl Austin.