Daylon "Dee" Elmer Austin

Daylon “Dee” Elmer Austin, 82, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan, Kansas. Dee was born January 5, 1932 in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Daylon Curtis and Daisy Elda (Mahn) Austin. He attended schools in the Riley and Cleburne, Kansas areas. On July 29, 1956, Daylon was united in marriage to Mary Helen Gordon, in Manhattan, Kansas. She preceded him in death in 1998. Dee and Mary moved to the Joplin, Missouri area in 1956, where they lived until 1973, before moving to Wamego. While in Joplin, Dee worked 17 years for Eagle Pitcher, as a quality control specialist. After moving to Wamego, he went to work for Landmark Construction in Manhattan as a job superintendent for many years before his retirement. After his retirement he went to work for Western Auto and then A-1 Fix It, as a small engine repairman until 2013. Dee was a big-time horseman and in his younger years rode in many Showdeos. He also loved going hunting and fishing and was a large car enthusiast. Dee enjoyed woodworking, cooking, gardening and being outdoors. Most importantly he loved spending time with his kids, grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren, who they referred to as their “G-Pa” Dee is survived by his three daughters: Roxanne “Roxie” Hawkins and husband Kirby of St. George, KS, Susan “Sue” Johnson and husband Wayne of Manhattan, KS and Pamela “Pam” Schmitt and husband Brent of Wellsville, KS; his son: Daylon “Doug” Austin of St. George, KS; 14 grandchildren: Jared, Macy, Lori, Dustin, Jerry, Joe, Ashley, Alicia, Brad, Andy, Geoffrey, Destiny, Joshua and Cassandra; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister in-law: Becky Lindbloom; one brother in-law: Gary N. Gordon and numerous nieces and nephews. Dee was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles and Gene. A Graveside service for Dee will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2014, at the Wamego City Cemetery. Family will greet friends during a visitation prior beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the D. E. Austin Memorial Fund, to be designated later and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.