Marion Lafayette Austin

Marion “M.L.” Lafayette Austin, age 96, passed peacefully at home on January 24, 2026. M.L. was married to the love of his life, Betty Wiese Austin, for 75 beautiful years. Together they built a life rooted in commitment, resilience, faith, and family. Their marriage was a powerful example of devotion, partnership, and God’s enduring grace. M.L. embraced life fully and welcomed new experiences with curiosity and courage. He carried a strong work ethic throughout his life, taking pride in providing for his family and doing things the right way. His integrity and reliability earned the respect of all who knew him. M.L. was drafted into the Marines in 1951 and served at Paris Island until 1953. After serving, he returned to his job at Standard Parts where he worked until 1965 when he bought two Napa stores and moved the family to Arkansas. After retiring at age 47, M.L. and Betty had many adventures including two summer-long trips to Alaska, owning and running a convenience store, doing mission work in Haiti, and being caretakers for the Aimee Semple McPherson castle in California where they were able to share their testimony with over 4,000 visitors. As a father, grandfather, and great grandfather, M.L. was steady and deeply present. He led by example, teaching the values of faith, perseverance, kindness, laughter, and responsibility. His guidance, stories, and quiet strength will be cherished by his family for generations. M.L.’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life. While living in Arkansas M.L. served as a “church planter” and lay pastor. After moving to Virginia, he and Betty were longtime members of The Bridge Foursquare Church in Christiansburg, Virginia. M.L. trusted fully in God’s promises and lived with confidence in the hope of eternal life. We take comfort knowing he has been welcomed home and has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” M.L. is survived by his beloved wife Betty Wiese Austin; his children, Connie Jean Austin, Cheri Lynn Austin Warburton, and bonus daughter Dedra Anderson; his grandchildren: Christine Caroline Booker (David) and their children Henry and Olivia, Michael Austin Warburton (Liz) and their children Austin and Violet, nephews Karl Wolfe (JoAnn), Kent Bradford, and niece Marion Garrett. And those whom he loved and considered family, Tom Warburton (Sarah) and their children Reed, Gray, and Oliver, Jack Warburton (Kimberly) and their children Ben, Max, Will, and Kate, Rebekkah Warburton Ferrell and her child Campbell; and Daniel Warburton (Mandy) and their children Elliot, Lyndon and Declan. M.L. was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Alma Austin; and his siblings, Gerry Lindbloom (Harry), Bernice Wolfe (E.W.), their son, Bill Wolfe, Goldie Austin; Minnie Lou Bradford (Bill), and Karl Austin, Jr. Services will be at the McCoy Funeral Home, in Blacksburg, Virginia, on February 6th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Dedra Anderson will be officiating. A private burial will be held following the Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Four Square Missions Press. http://www.foursquaremissionspress.org/give Our family feels strengthened by and appreciates all the love shown and prayers offered on our behalf. With love, The Austin Family