Fred Austin

May 16, 1940 - Oct. 26, 2020

Marion Fred Austin, 80, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 26 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City. Fred was born on May 16, 1940, in Clyde, TX to Winnie and JR Austin. He lived most of his life in Abilene and Yukon, OK. He attended McMurray State University as a football letterman. Right out of college, he sold insurance while attending law school. He was a private practice attorney for 30 years and served 20 years as a judge for Oklahoma City Judicial Systems.

Fred was a passionate man, and, early in his life, he heard the calling to help others in big ways. He loved the blessings of working with the Oklahoma Shriners and being part of a team that was positively influencing so many lives. He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Past Potentate in 1982, and held the role of Shrine Treasurer for the last couple of decades. He inspired others to enjoy the time on this earth, take time for each other, and always be counted on for promises made. He loved to cook and would cook for hundreds of people at a time. His chili recipe gave much delight, and some got heartburn.

Fred was extremely loving and proud of his two daughters, Michelle Austin, of Frisco, TX; and Renee Austin, her husband, Jeramie Ritteleuchai. Renee’s two sons, Fred’s grandchildren, Mitchell Quinn Ritteleuchai and Graham Kingston Ritteleuchai, of Dallas, TX, made him very proud. Fred is survived by his loving partner, Charleene Little, of Moore, OK. Fred was a loving man, father, grandfather and friend to all.

A special thank-you to Smith & Kernke, Marcial Mitchell and Lindsay Ocker for their loving care and support.

Visitation Thursday, Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m., at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, 73134. Funeral services for Fred are at Smith & Kernke on Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. Fred will be laid to rest at the Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City.

To view service streamed live, visit Fred’s obituary page at:

www.smithandkernke.com and click on the button "View Funeral Service" below the obituary text.

For all expressions of love and care and, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred’s honor and memory to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Shreveport Unit, Attention: Corporate Development, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.