Staff Sgt. Leonard Earl Austin was born August 10, 1942 in Lockesburg, Arkansas to Earl and Arie Austin. He grew up in the Oak Grove Community, at New Zion Baptist Church and was baptized under the Pastorate of the late Pastor Bryant.

On February 5, 1984, he united with Clayton Chapel Baptist Church. He served as Deacon under Pastor Ray Robinson. He served as the Superintendent of Sunday School Ministry, teacher of the Men's Class, a member of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Men's Ministry. When he passed, he was under the pastorate of Pastor Parnell Maxwell.

He graduated from Sevier County High School in 1960. He joined the United States Air Force in 1966 and received many awards: Arkansas National Federal, Arkansas Services Award in recognition of 5 years of patriotic service; Performance Award by the Veterans Administration in recognition of outstanding contribution to the improvement of operations resulting from superior performance; 189 CAM SQ Award for 25 years of Dedicated Service with the Arkansas Air National Guard, October 8, 1988; In 1992 received Administrator's Award Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Nursing from the Department of Veterans Affairs; An Honorable Discharge Award, awarded as a testimonial of honest and faithful service from the federally recognized Air National Guard of Arkansas of USA; Certificate of Retirement in Recognition from the Department of Veterans Affairs following 38 years of dedicated service to the government of the United States of America, on July 31, 2004, an Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on November 4, 1971 and many other Department of Veterans Affairs outstanding rating certificates. He was also a business owner for three years known as Austin Tire and Service Auto, Little Rock, AR.

He married Mary Louise Henry in 1971 and had two twin step-daughters, Melody and Patty Haymen. The marriage was dissolved.

He married Carolyn Maxwell September 19, 1983. The marriage was dissolved.

Preceded him in death are: his parents, Earl and Arie Austin; Rev. Anthony Eric Austin (brother); Tiffany Austin (niece); Gregory Chisholm (nephew) and Patty Bailey (daughter).

He leaves to cherish: Daughter, Melody Gaspher (Rudolph) of Newark, Delaware; Brother, Raleigh Austin, Sr. (Sheryl) of Raytown, MO; Sisters Ruby Nelson, Emma Burrell both of Kankakee, IL; Margaret McNeil (Michael) of Raymore, MO; Sister-in-law Ruth Austin of Raymore, MO, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Leonard Austin will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, September 14, 2020 in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Parnell Maxwell, Anthony May and Kelly Wilbert Austin officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Williamson Cemetery, Oak Grove Community, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. The family will receive friends for one hour, prior to the service. You may send an online sympathy message at www.chandlerfuneral.com.

The use of a face mask or covering will be required during your time at the funeral home. Please follow guidelines for social distancing.