Dean Thomas Austin

Dean Thomas Austin, born May 3, 1936, died Thursday, December 25, 2025 at 7:15 a.m.

He was born on May 3, 1936, in Macon County Illinois, to Thomas and Verna (Miller) Austin. They preceded him in death as well as four sisters, and three brothers.

Dean is survived by his wife Linda (Lynge) Austin. They shared 58 years of marriage.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sarah (Paul) Harris, and Deborah (Michael) Geraci, two granddaughters, Isabella Geraci, and Michaela Geraci, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dean was a member of Shield’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Canton Morning Star Lodge #734 A.F. & A.M., Fisherman’s Club and the United Methodist Church Brotherhood. Dean served for 35 years as a Minister at various local Methodist Churches. He loved spending time with his family and will be remembered as being a friend to all.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A Masonic service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow. Reverend Marty Ellison will conduct the funeral service.

Burial will immediately follow the services on Monday at Shield’s Chapel Cemetery in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Preacher’s Aid Society, (P.O. Box 19207 Springfield), IL, 62794-9207, or www.pasbf.org, or to Shield’s Chapel United Methodist Church.