Austin E. Roebuck

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Austin Roebuck was a true gift in every way. He was spirited and lively with a zest for life that was easy to see. A devoted husband and loving father, Austin loved being with his family more than anywhere else in the world. He was an intuitive and intelligent guy who wasn’t afraid to tackle any sort of project, a jack of all trades if ever there was one. Austin was the sort of person who could talk to anyone once he warmed up a bit, especially if it was about a topic that he was passionate about. Life will never be the same without Austin here, but the memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten by his many friends and loved ones.

The 1950s were a colorful time in American history. We were introduced to the sounds of rock ‘n roll by legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis while televisions were becoming part of living rooms from coast to coast like never before. It was in 1954 that a young couple from Vicksburg, Michigan, was overjoyed to welcome a baby boy into the fold on December 7th. Austin Eden was one of five children born to his parents, Arthur and Barbara (VanAntwerp) Roebuck, in nearby Kalamazoo. Raised in Vicksburg, located not far from Kalamazoo, he was joined in his family by his three brothers, Steve, Doug, and Art, and his sister, Crystal. He was a student at local schools in Vicksburg until he transferred to Otsego High School after his family moved.

With his formal education behind him, Austin was ready to embark on the next exciting phase in his life’s journey. He began working in the water department for the City of Otsego. It was also as a young man that Austin married and became a father to two sons, Abner and Austin Jr. Although his marriage later ended in divorce, he was forever grateful for the children they shared.

After spending 19 years working for the City of Otsego, Austin was ready for a change. He continued his education, taking classes at Michigan Career and Technical School. Austin earned his certificate in electronics. This allowed him to take a job as a millwright with Marshall Plastics. He continued to work there until his health no longer allowed him to work.

New and exciting changes were in store for Austin when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Dawn Thomas, and she was a friend of his sister’s. In fact, Crystal had been telling Dawn about Austin for awhile, but Dawn just wasn’t interested until she met him herself at Crystal’s wedding. She was charmed by him right from the start, thinking his was a real “Joe Cool.” Sparks flew between them, and they were married one year later on June 30, 2002. Dawn brought her children, Jason and Morgan, into the relationship, and Austin stepped in and became a father figure to them. He was a loving and attentive husband who was content doing whatever Dawn wanted to do. It didn’t matter whether it was fishing or ceramics classes, Austin was content just to be together. His four dogs, Bella, Molly, Cosmo, and Bob, were like additional members of his family that Austin deeply loved.

In addition to being with his loved ones, Austin’s life was enriched in other ways. He was a real jack of all trades who could build or fix just about anything. If he didn’t know exactly how to go about fixing something at first, Austin would just take it apart to figure it out. He also enjoyed remodeling. He had gutted his and Dawn’s house in Florida and was rebuilding it for their retirement home. Austin liked learning about HAM radios, and helped his old teacher put up several towers. He also loved being outdoors and taking part in outdoor activities like fishing and camping. Seaton Creek in Mesick, Michigan, was his favorite place to camp, and he was looking forward to a trip over Mother’s Day this year to go mushroom hunting.

Although he was more quiet and shy at first, it didn’t take Austin Roebuck long to warm up to someone. He could be a real jokester around his family at times, and he never much cared about what they were doing as long as his family was together. Austin was content in whatever circumstances life brought, even when the way before him was not easy, and his joy for living was unmatched. He will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

He is survived by his wife Dawn Roebuck, two sons Abner & Austin Jr. Roebuck, mother Barbara Pratt, his step-father Burnie Pratt, step-son Jason Thomas, step-daughter Morgan Thomas, sister Crystal Veldt and her husband Jim, brother Steve Folk and his wife Robin, brothers Doug Roebuck & Arthur Roebuck Jr., step-sister Shirley Sutton and her husband Bill, step-brother Kenton Pratt, aunt Coral Dunlap and her husband Harold, aunt Erna Vincent and her husband Lonnie, niece Teresa Allen, nephew John Welch and his wife Missy, uncle Russell VanAntwerp and his wife Lucy, uncle Richard VanAntwerp and his wife Pat and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Arther Roebuck, Sr. and his uncle Robert VanAntwerp. A memorial service for Austin will be held on Tuesday April 23rd at Friendship Wesleyan; 1285 102nd Ave. Plainwell at 1:00 p.m. The service officiated by Rev. Kevin Smith and Rev. Jason Thomas. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Please visit Austin's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign the guest book. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes; Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. (685-5881)