Stella "Charlie" Austin

Stella Charlene Austin “Charlie” age 67, of Kempner, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. A family graveside was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Charlene was born on November 2, 1950, in Gatesville, Texas to the late Clarence and Margaret Green Krempin. She graduated from Copperas Cove High School in 1968. She worked for the phone company before marrying Luke Austin in 1976 and she joined him in his business adventures. Those included several dry cleaners, conveniences stores, a barbecue restaurant, and the Fabulous West Steakhouse. Charlene enjoyed children and became a teacher’s aide for Copperas Cove ISD after they sold the restaurant. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, buddy, and road trip driver, Luke Austin in 2017 and a son, Greg Austin in 2012.

Charlene is survived by her son, Jeff Austin and wife, Molly; daughter Andye Pettyjohn and husband, Gary; sisters, Kim Jones and husband, Lonnie, Tammy Cooley and husband, Wilson, Marsha Knott and husband, Barry; brothers, Walter Krempin and wife, Francine, Larry Krempin and wife, Shannon; six granddaughters, Adrian, Rachel, Morgan, Averi, Ella and Sadie and countless nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to children’s hospitals at stjudde.org or shinnershospitalsforchildren.org or to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove.