Elden R. Austin DVM, 82, of Hutchinson, died August 21, 2018, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson. Dr. Austin was born September 8, 1935, in Julesburg, Colorado, to LeRoy and Katherine (Spindler) Austin.

Dr. Austin graduated from Julesburg High School in 1953, where he excelled at football and basketball. He graduated from Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1959. While an undergraduate, he was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was assigned to the Air Force Veterinary Corps. He served as a Captain at the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command base in Plattsburgh, New York, until 1961. On December 7, 1961, he purchased the Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital, located at 1201 E. 30th Street, retiring from there in 2009 after 47 years of practice. He passed his practice to his son, Jonathan, who carries on his legacy. Dr. Austin was renowned for his gentle and compassionate demeanor. He was a member of the KVMA and AMVA, throughout his entire career.

In 1958, Dr. Austin married Shelia Ann Scott and they had four sons, all growing up in Hutchinson. They divorced in 1988. Dr. Austin was deeply involved in his son's lives and served as a mentor and role model. He was a T-ball coach, and an assistant Scout Master for Troop 301, where all his sons became Eagle Scouts. He co-owned and flew a Cessna 177 Cardinal in private aviation, flying his family around the area and providing many lasting memories. He was a Rotarian for 33 years, serving as vice-president, and becoming a Paul Harris Fellow in the organization. Dr. Austin loved the game of golf, which he also passed on to his sons at Prairie Dunes Country Club. He served on the board for many years and was president in 1984. Dr. Austin, through his work on the green's committee, was involved with advancing the club's national stature.
On September 18, 1993, he married Neva Esau Goering in Hutchinson.

Dr. Austin is survived by: wife, Neva of Hutchinson; sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) of Overland Park and their children, Olivia, Bennett, and Genevieve, Joel of McKinney, Texas, and his children, Jensen, Nicklaus, and Reese, Dr. Jonathan of Hutchinson and his children, Hunter and Fischer, Jason (Catherine) of Houston, Texas; stepchildren, Dr. Mark Goering (Sheila) of Enid, Oklahoma and their son, Tyler, Dawn Hamilton (Dr. Kent Hamilton) of San Antonio, Texas and their children, Allison and Ashlyn; foster daughter, Sonja Engwall (Dwight) of Douglass; and brothers, Richard Austin (Barb) of Denver, Colorado and Ronald Austin (Claudine) of Aspen, Colorado. Also dearly remembered is his veterinary assistant of 24 years, Georgeanna Southern.

Dr. Austin was preceded in death by his parents and step-grandson, Zac Ackman.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Lennie Maxwell officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force. Private family burial will take place in Eden Church Cemetery, rural Moundridge. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to TECH, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.