Howell Olain Austin, 89, of Columbus, MS passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at his residence.

A private graveside service will be held in Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Lowndes Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Austin was born March 23, 1929 to the late Orbie Riley and Berdie Steele Austin in Calhoun County, Alabama. He married the former Mildred Newsome on August 31, 1951 in Talladega, AL. Mr. Austin retired as a supervisor from American Bosch in 1989 after over 35 years of employment. He was a Mason being a member of Columbus Lodge # 5 F.&A.M. in Columbus, MS and a Shriner.  In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers- Dennis Austin and Kenneth Austin.

Mr. Austin is survived by his wife of 67 years- Mildred Newsome Austin; son- Tony Austin of Newton, MS; daughters- Jane (Dennis) Harmon of Columbus, MS, Sami Austin of Columbus, MS; grandson- Riley (Ashley) Austin; 4 great-grandchildren; sister- Dean Spurline of Anniston, AL.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.