Lawrence R. "Doc" Austin, 74, of West Middlesex transitioned to eternal life, Wednesday morning, November 21, 2018, in his residence, surrounded by his family.

Lawrence was born July 17, 1944, in Sharon General Hospital, a son of the late Clarence and Emma (Lee) Austin, Sr. A lifelong area resident, he was a 1962 alumnus of Farrell High School and a standout member of the Farrell Steelers varsity basketball team. He then attended Penn State University, Shenango Valley Campus.

Lawrence worked in the family business, Austin and Son's Landscaping Company. He was also a brick layer in the blast furnaces of the former National Castings – Div. of Midland Ross, Sharon, for 21 years. He was also a member of the United Steelworkers, Local 1477 in Sharon, serving as its president for several years until the plants closing. He was then employed by Dean Dairy, S. Pymatuning Twp., where he was a truck driver for 14 years, retiring in 1998. He was also a member of the Teamsters, Local 261 in New Castle.

Lawrence was a member of Valley Baptist Church, Farrell, where he formerly served on the usher board.

He served on the board of directors at the former Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital, Farrell, and also coached his son's West Middlesex little league team while serving as league president.

An avid hunter, Mr. Austin also enjoyed working with his hands, especially while completing masonry projects and restoring classic cars.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 53 years, the former Jawdy Williams, whom he married June 19, 1965; four children, Angel R. "Pebbles" Pickens, Farrell, Jawdy T. Austin, West Middlesex, Kevin L. Austin Sr., Farrell, and Trevor A. Austin Sr., West Middlesex; three sisters, Marion Pope, New Jersey, Willie Belle Cromartie, Hermitage, and Beverly Williams, Farrell; two brothers, Paul Austin Sr., Campbell, OH, and Eugene Austin Sr., West Middlesex; nine grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Austin was preceded in death by a son, Shawn Eugene Austin; three sisters, Janette Austin, Hortense Woods and Nancy Austin; and three brothers, Reuben Austin, Sr., Clarence Austin Jr., and James Austin.

Calling hour will be 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday (11-28-18) in Valley Baptist Church, 500 Sharon New Castle Rd, Farrell, PA 16121.

Home Going Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, in the church, with Pastor Terrance Harrison officiating, and Elder Fredrick Jarrett as the eulogist.

Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.