from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Gail E. Austin, 86, of Morrison, Ill., died June 3, 2012, at his home.

Mr. Austin was born Dec. 10, 1925, in Clinton, Iowa, a son of C.L. “Biely” and Helen E. (Steiner) Austin. He was united in marriage to Barbara J. Knapp on Oct. 18, 1952, in Alamo, Texas.

He owned and operated Austin Manufacturing for more than 50 years, retiring in 2000.

Mr. Austin enjoyed harness racing and was an owner, driver and judge for many years and was licensed by the USTA. The Austin family has owned harness horses in the state of Illinois for 70 years. He was associated with many champion horses including B’Haven, world champion and the first Illinois bred to pace in 2:00 at the old Sportsman’s Park half-mile track with Wilber Long driving; Reba Byrd, H.T.A older Pacing Mare of the Year and Illinois Horse of the Year; Cindy Gal, the only Illinois born and bred filly to race in the Hambeltonian; Skipalong Misty, Illinois Horse of the Year; and The Vicster, fastest born and bred trotter in the state of Illinois.

He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps, serving during World War II as a tail gunner on a B-29. He also enjoyed playing golf.

Mr. Austin served as a past president of the Morrison Country Club, Junior Chamber of Commerce and Morrison Elementary School Board, and was secretary of the board at Morrison Community Hospital for more than 20 years. He was a member of St. Anne Episcopal Church in Morrison, where he was a vestryman and senior warden. He was a member of Morrison Masonic Lodge and served as a 32nd degree Mason, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Shriners Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara “Sug”; children, Jane, Andy (fiancée, Jae Yang), Julie (Dr. Tom) Esposito and Susan (Tom) Frederick; grandchildren, Nic Frederick and Thomas Frederick; and sister, Betty (Gus) Robertson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sally Swan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Granny Rose Animal Shelter, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Anne Episcopal Church and Resthave Retirement and Nursing Home.