Donald M. "Don" Austin

Donald M. Austin

Donald “Don” Michael Austin, 68, peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, with his daughter and family by his side after a brief known battle with cancer.

Many knew Don as “Donnie” while his Austin family members only knew him as “Bud”. Don was a kind man who was a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many.  He was born on May 4, 1955, in Brawley, California to Roy Austin and Adrene Frowiss.  He attended various elementary schools in both El Centro and Brawley. He moved to El Centro for his 8th grade year at Woodrow Wilson Junior High and then graduated from Central Union High School in 1973.  After graduation Don spent time working for the New Star Market before he started his career for the telephone company, Pacific Bell, on October 1, 1973.  During his years at the phone company, he worked as a cable splicer, field engineer, and retired as an engineer in February 2010 after nearly 36 ½ years of dedicated service. 

Don was a native valley resident that never moved anywhere else until his last week of life to be with his daughter and her family in Montana.  Don stayed in the valley as he loved being near his dad, Roy.  They shared a common love of the desert.  At a young age he started building and running sand rails that eventually led to his love of riding Harley Davidson motorcycles.  Don spent endless hours working on either his dirt buggies, sand rails, Harleys or numerous vehicles, as he found great pleasure in doing so.  Throughout his life Don appreciated cars and especially the classics.  This past year he took great pride in fixing up his treasured 1969 Chevy El Camino, which his daughter and son-in-law have vowed to continue in his memory.  In his downtime he enjoyed watching historical documentaries on the world wars, reruns of Gunsmoke, and NASCAR weekly. 

Don had an amazing black powder gun collection he acquired while a member of the Signal Mountain Muzzleloaders.  Much of his retirement was spent volunteering with his dad, Roy, for Desert Wildlife Unlimited checking on wildlife drinkers.  He was also an active member of the Moose Lodge in Imperial.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Roy Austin; his mother, Adrene Maxson; his stepmother, Sandra Austin; his nephew, Andrew Fleming; and great-nephew, Brandon Garcia.  Don is survived by his daughter, Krissie Austin Brusso (Travis) of Corvallis, Montana; three grandchildren, Mackenzie (Nolan) Nicholas, Madalyn Brusso, and Tyler Brusso; his sisters, Marsha (Jack) Keegan, and Rosanne (Robert) Fleming; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A Celebration of Life Open House memorial will be held on Friday, September 29th, 2023, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Moose Lodge in Imperial, California following a private family interment.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites gifts to be made in his memory to either the Wounded Warriors Foundation, Tower to Tunnels Foundation or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, all of which were charities that Don regularly supported.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com. 

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