Lee Austin

Richard Lee Austin, 81, of Independence, MO passed away December 10, 2012 at Centerpoint Medical Center. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Services to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the chapel with burial at Mound Grove Cemetery. Lee was born August 11, 1931 in Independence, MO to Clair and Nina (Coffman) Austin. He graduated from Cameron High School and went on to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a scout master and honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was also an elder in the Community of Christ. He retired from Truman High School. To Lee, family was most important, and he was loved by all who knew him. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laverna Austin; and two sons, Kenneth and Freddie Austin. He is survived by four children, Teresa Burch (Mike), Donny Austin (Pam) Bill Deam (Tamy) and Rick Deam; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren with two on the way; sister-in-law, Bonnie Markham; and nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members.