Jerry D. Austin, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 6, 2023. He was born in Merced, CA on April 3, 1941, to Vernon and Geneva Austin. He grew up in Atwater, CA and graduated from Livingston High School in 1959. On February 5, 1960, he married Carole Austin, the love of his life. They were by each other's side until Carole passed away in August of 2016.

Jerry was a hard worker from the start helping his family on their ranch milking cows, raising chickens and growing sweet potatoes. After high school, he often worked three jobs to make sure that Carole could stay home with the kids. These jobs included a Frito Lay sales route and owning a taxi business with his father. Jerry was a California Highway Patrolman for several years before becoming a business owner. He owned a Union 76 station, Los Banos Tire and Los Banos Auto Machine Shop though family was his first priority.

He was a dedicated father and family man always coaching his daughter's softball teams. Jerry was an excellent athlete himself playing football, track, and baseball in high school. As an adult, Jerry pitched fast pitch softball until he was in his mid-fifties traveling most weekends in the summer for tournaments and even out of state for championship tournaments. He was fierce on the mound and known for his toughness and endurance which earned him the name Iron Arm from his teammates.

Jerry is survived by his daughters Stephanie Austin, Paula Austin, Laura Austin, Nicki Henson (Richard) and Lindsay Brunton. He was a proud grandfather to Cynthia Austin-Corah, Weber, Lily and Breck Brunton and Hayden and Austin Henson.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, there will be a visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, 1840 S. Center Rd., Los Banos, CA. Funeral services will also be at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at 2:00 p.m. at Winton Cemetery, 7651 Almond Ave., Winton, CA Services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel~Los Banos.

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