Charles Edward “Ed” Austin, 82, of Alexis, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, near Alexis.
Ed was born October 24, 1943, in Galesburg, IL, the son of Earl and Dolly (Kennedy) Austin. He was raised and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1961.
Ed married Marcena O. Reuter on January 23, 1965, in Galesburg and she passed away on December 2, 2025.
Ed worked as a carman for the CB&Q Railroad and later the Burlington Northern for 43 years before retiring in 2003. He also farmed near Alexis since 1974, still advising and assisting out around the farm to this day.
He was a member of the Gerlaw Christian Church. He loved to hunt, fish, trap and trap shoot. He was an accomplished trap shooter, winning his division at the Grand National. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. Ed found peace and joy in gardening with Marcena.
Survivors include his children, Byron (Mary) Austin of Knoxville, IL, Michelle (Michael) Anderson of Las Vegas, NV and Heath (Tracy) Austin of Gerlaw, IL; his grandchildren, Bailey (Karl) Terpening, Brandon (Leah) Austin, Hunter Austin and Emma Austin; his great grandson, Klyde Terpening; sisters, Peggy (Terry) Stevenson of Galesburg and Mary Ann (the late Lynn) Beck of Washington, IL; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his brother, Darold (Alice) Austin.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Gerlaw Christian Church, Gerlaw. Cremation will take place following the services with a private family interment at the Gerlaw Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Memorials may be given to the Ed and Marcena Austin Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
