Charles O. Austin III

Charles O. "Chuck" Austin, III, 68, of Rock Island, passed away Friday, July 7, 2017 in Silvis. Services will be held at 5:30pm Thursday, July 13 at the Rock Island High School Auditorium. Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, July 12 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Private inurnment will be in Chippiannock Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to benefit the Charles O. Austin Scholarship Fund. Checks can be written to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation, please indicate “Austin Scholarship” on the check.
 

Chuck was born on March 9, 1949 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Charles O. Austin, Jr. and Mary Ablard Austin. He married Ann Osborn on July 31, 1971. Chuck was a 1967 graduate of Rock Island High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University and his Masters of Science in Education and Educational Specialist degree from Western Illinois University.
 

Mr. Austin was a mathematics teacher for 33 years. He began his career with the Davenport School District and taught in the Rock Island School District for 31 years until his retirement in 2004. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to helping students believe in themselves and reach their full potential. He worked tirelessly to make sure that students understood mathematics concepts; Chuck was particularly passionate about Geometry. He was the boys’ golf coach at Rock Island High School for 16 years and was active as a track and cross-country official for IHSA and college meets.
    

Chuck’s thoughtfulness and meticulous organizational skills had a tremendous impact on the community. He was the Seventh Ward Alderman in the City of Rock Island from 2004 to 2017. He served on the Bi-State Regional Commission, the Commercial Industrial Revolving Loan Fund, and the Rock Island County Animal Care and Control Board of Directors. He also served on the board and was past president of Marriage and Family Counseling Service as well as past president and current membership chair with the Illinois Retired Teachers Association Blackhawk Unit. He was a member of Rock Island Rotary and volunteered with Quad City Music Guild, United Way, WVIK, Friendship Manor, and Special Olympics. He took a leadership role in raising funds for scholarships for the Academic Achievement Awards program at Rock Island and Alleman High Schools. For the past 27 years, Chuck volunteered at the John Deere Classic.

Chuck received many honors and awards, including National Officials Association Boys and Girls Cross Country Official of the Year in 2006, 2003 Citizen of the Year in the Category of Education, IHSA Distinguished Service Award—Boys Track and Field State Final Official, Argus-Dispatch Master Teacher Award, and Illinois Coaches Association Meritorious Service Award. But the honor he treasured most was being husband to Ann, father to Julie and John, “Papa Chuck,” uncle, brother, brother-in-law, son, son-in-law, and friend to so many. 

Anyone who knew Chuck experienced his kindness and generosity. He was an avid golfer who was proud of his two holes-in-one at Highland Springs. He enjoyed walking throughout Rock Island and treasured the many great opportunities that the Quad Cities has to offer.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Ann; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Paul Hansen, Rock Island; son and daughter-in-law, John and Judith Austin, Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Ella Hansen, Zachary Hansen, Xavier Austin and Benjamin Austin; brother, Steve Austin, Argentina. Chuck will always be an integral part of the Osborn family.

Chuck died as he lived—serving others to enrich the community he so dearly loved.
 

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