MOUNT VERNON — Oral Lavern Austin, 86, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 8:56 a.m., Monday, July 3, 2023, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

He was born on September 7, 1936, the son of Berthyl and Edna (Minor) Austin.  On July 23, 1955, he married Betty Byars in Kell, Illinois.  Lavern was owner of Austin’s Restaurants in Salem and Dix.  He was a member of Panther Fork Missionary Baptist Church in Texico, where he served as deacon for many years.  He also served as song leader for a time.  He had fond memories of his red and white Polled Hereford Cattle, and served as a President of the Illinois Polled Hereford Association.

Lavern is survived by two children, Steven Austin and wife Holly of Mt. Vernon, and Sondra Caldwell and husband Mark of Texico; five grandchildren, Jana Mullinax and husband Rodney of Mt. Vernon, Marci Sherwin and husband Dean of Texico, Adam Caldwell and wife Erin of Terre Haute, Indiana, Kane Austin and wife Ashley of Inman, Kansas, and Adrian Austin and friend Quest Newberry of Brenham, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Quinton Mullinax, Alexia Sherwin, Elias Mullinax, Walker Sherwin, Violet Caldwell, Milo Caldwell, and Asher Caldwell; one brother, Chalon Austin and wife Effie Mae of Dix; one brother-in-law, Edgar Byars of Kell; one sister-in-law, Sheila Byars of Marlow; and many nieces and nephews.

Lavern was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; three brothers, Berthyl Austin, Jr., Waymon Austin, and Marvie Austin; and two sisters, Velma Ullery and Patricia Connaway.

Funeral services for Mr. Austin will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at Panther Fork Baptist Church, with Rev. John Ashby officiating.  Burial will follow at Panther Fork Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Panther Fork Cemetery, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.