Robert Austin,

Bluefield, VA- Robert R. (Bob) Austin, Jr. was the only child of Robert Read Austin, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Sink Austin. He died Saturday May 16, 2009. He was born on Fulton Street in Bluefield, WV on September 10, 1916. He was a graduate of Bluefield Public Schools, Bluefield College and the University of Alabama, holding a B.S. degree in Business Administration. He also attended classes from the American Institute of Banking. In 1938, after college, he went to work for First National Bank as Bookkeeper. He served five years in the Army and Fifth Air Force during World War II, three years of that time in the Southwest Pacific. Returning from war, he went back to work for First National Bank. He retired in October 1981 as Senior Vice President after 43 years of service. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon and Elder. He was a 67 year member of Elks Lodge and 60 year member of the American Legion. He was a former member of Fincastle Country Club. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only child, Mary Ann Mortensen. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Floriene A. Austin of the home and special friends, Ann Carlock, Mary Anne Musser, Barry Whitt, Drs. Marilyn and Carter Snead, Bud and Linda Houck, and R.D. Baldwin and daughter Patricia. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday May 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield with Dr. W. D. Hasty officiating. Those wishing to attend the services are asked to meet at Mercer Funeral Home no later than 1:30 p.m. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the WV Army Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veteran's Council. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Tuesday May 19th from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions, if desired, be made to "Those Who Served Museum", Memorial Building, 1500 W. Main Street, Princeton, WV 24740 or to the American Legion, Riley-Vest Post No. 9, P.O. Box 1796, Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield is serving the family of Mr. Robert (Bob) Austin.

Robert Austin,

September 10, 1916 - May 16, 2009