Michael D Mike Austin

Michael (Mike) D. Austin, 71, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg on August 22, 2018. Michael was born August 18, 1947 in Toledo, Ohio to Irma (Zambo) and Walter Austin. He graduated from “Make-um-Dumber”, also known as Macomber High School in Toledo, Ohio. Mike married the love of his life Deborah (Belew) on June 8, 1967 and went on to serve in the United States Navy. He spent his deployment on the Destroyer SS Wilkinson near the end of the Vietnam War. After his time in the service and a number of odd jobs, Michael went on to serve his community for over 20 years as a TARTA bus driver. He and his wife, Debbie, later settled in Genoa, Ohio where they raised their family. In his formative years, Mike was an avid bowler and a member of the Professional Bowlers Association. He and Debbie enjoyed playing in dartball leagues and spending time with their families. Mike enjoyed drinking copious amount of black coffee, watching his favorite TV shows and Steelers football, and giving his caregivers a hard time. He loved chicken paprikas and never met a candy bar he didn’t like. His raised brow, grumpy demeanor, and demonstrative “YO”, helped to mask the big teddy bear underneath who would do absolutely anything for his family. Michael is survived by his doting daughter, Christine (Brian Musser) Austin of Toledo, Ohio; son, Daniel Austin of Toledo, Ohio; grandchildren, Analisa (Joseph) Shinsky of Liberty Center, Ohio and Shawn Gantka of Toledo, Ohio; great grandchildren, Penelope and Wade Shinsky. Also, special friend of the family, Keana Walker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Austin; mother, Irma Austin; father, Walter Austin; and brother, Joseph Austin. There will be a Celebration of Life for Michael in the coming weeks. Please contact the family for details.