Obituary of Leo A. Austin

AUSTIN, Leo A., Sr. 62 of Land O’ Lakes passed away November 4, 2009. He was born in Panama on August 8, 1947 while his father, Osmond Austin worked at the Panama Canal. His father was from a Columbian and Irish descent while his mother, Olga Rivero was Cuban. Leo lived in the Panama Canal Zone until he joined the US Navy, in which he served very proudly and with honor for four years. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Counter Offensive Campaign and the 1st Award National Defense Service medal. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Panama and worked at the Panama Canal for 33 years and received a Distinguished Service Award as the Maintenance Foreman. Leo was well loved by his employees and they respected him for his humble and dedicated service at everything he did. In 1993 he retired and moved the family to Miami and in 1997 moved to Land O’ Lakes. He is survived by his wife Athalia (Shaly); two sons both serving in the US Navy, Leo, Jr. and his wife Vannesa of Virginia, and Leonard of South Carolina; two daughters, Lynn Marie Parsons and Tracie A. Austin; brother, Osmond, Jr and wife Tammy of Miami; best friend, Glen Martin and wife Denisse. Leo was a loving caring husband, father and all around person. He had a passion for family, friends and tools with which he could fix and build anything he desired. He was always ready to help and do the best he could to resolve anyone’s problems. He did not like to be an inconvenience to anyone, so he was really independent. Those who knew Leo described him as humanitarian, funny, joyful, caring and always with the last positive hope giving advice and word to those who surrounded him. He will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, November 9, 2009 at Loyless Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. hn glover death datepsychology and lung cancer