Deward Lee "Butch" Austin's Obituary
Deward Lee “Butch” Austin, 83, of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, after a courageous 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Butch was born August 3, 1942, in Huntington, West Virginia. Butch was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Austin, who passed away in 2011. Butch is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Donna (Dornon) Austin, with whom he shared many happy years together. Their story began long before marriage, as Butch and Donna spent 15 years together before marrying in October 2000 and building a life filled with companionship, love, laughter, friendship, and lots of family. Butch is also survived by his children Terrie Austin of Columbus, Ohio; Amy Austin of Richmond, Virginia; and Matt Austin (Clara) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Butch’s grandchildren include Emma Nichter in Tampa, Florida (Terrie); Abby Nichter in Chicago, Illinois (Terrie); Samantha Mathis in Richmond, Virginia (Amy); Lily Austin (Matt), Kate Austin (Matt), Ben Austin (Matt), and Jackson Austin (Matt), all of Cincinnati, Ohio. Butch loved attending sporting events and theatrical productions involving the grandkids, and he never missed a high school or college graduation—no matter how boring he suspected it might be. Butch is also survived by his brother Scott Austin (Andrea) of Huntington, WV. Donna’s side of the family was also very important to Butch, and he enjoyed being part of their lives over the many years he and Donna spent together. They include Roni Hayes (Donald) Capper; Jami (Matt) Manns; and Renee (Eddie) Marshall. Donna’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Justin (Preslie) Hayes and their daughters Sunnie and Murphie; Kyle (Alisha) Hayes and baby Hayes; Taylor Manns; Bailey Manns; Morgan Manns; Mason Manns; Allie (Kollin) Van Horn and baby Van Horn; Emma Marshall; and Katie (Willie) Mills and their children Marshall and Vivian. Early in Butch’s career, he served for one year with the Huntington Police Department. In 1966 he entered the electrician apprenticeship program and went on to spend his entire career as an electrician. Butch was a proud and longtime member of IBEW Local #317, where he built not only a respected career but many lasting friendships. Butch loved being outdoors. He especially enjoyed mowing the grass on his riding mower, tending to his backyard garden each summer, and feeding the wildlife that gathered around the house. Part of Butch’s daily routine included scattering corn, filling bird feeders, and making sure all the animals were fed. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, deer, and the occasional stray cat all became regular visitors. Butch would also want to be sure to mention the household’s own crew—their rescue pup Baby and adopted stray cats Kitty and Harry—who were just as much a part of his daily routine. Winter was never Butch’s favorite season. Each year he counted the days until golf weather returned. He was an avid golfer and loved playing rounds with the many buddies (and brother Scott) who joined him regularly at Sugarwood Golf Course. Over the years he recorded several holes-in-one and proudly ‘shot his age’ well into his seventies and eighties. Butch was also a loyal Marshall University fan and enjoyed any opportunity to cheer on the Thundering Herd. He was also fond of The Ohio State University football but didn’t advertise it as much around the Huntington crowd. Earlier in life, Butch had a strong spirit of adventure. People are always surprised to learn that he competed in skydiving competitions in his early 20s, logging more than 25 jumps before eventually hanging up the parachute. During another chapter of life, Butch spent many years metal detecting, traveling to search for Civil War artifacts and uncovering relics including bullets, cannon balls, belt buckles, and uniform buttons. He developed an impressive knowledge of Civil War history and could tell you about almost any battle or skirmish—just be prepared to listen for a while if you asked. Time spent with his grandchildren was one of Butch’s greatest pleasures. Looking back through old photos of them when they were young always brought a smile to his face. “Papaw” Butch was also known for telling imaginative stories to the grandchildren, especially the legendary tales of an imaginary creature called the “Wampus Cat”. The grandchildren loved listening wide-eyed to Papaw’s stories and riding around with him on the golf cart, especially when he occasionally let them take the wheel. Butch will be missed by many who knew and loved him. As spring arrives, the temperatures warm, and the golf courses turn green again, Butch’s family will imagine him smiling somewhere nearby, keeping an eye on all of them and waiting for his next tee time. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service, but the family plans to hold a Celebration of Life soon. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses, doctors, and staff at Hospice of Huntington for the care and kindness they provided to Butch and his family in his final hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any pancreatic cancer research organization of your choice or to Hospice of Huntington in Butch’s memory. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, OH is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at https://www.ehallfuneralhome.com.
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