FRANCIS L. "Jake" AUSTIN, age 65, of 2153 E. River Road, Cortland, NY died Friday, July 9, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Austin was born February 23, 1939 in Venice Center, NY a son of the late Martin and Mildred Parker Austin. He was graduated from Moravia High School in 1957 and was employed for 41 years at Smith Corona. Fran who was named "Jake" as a young boy, was a master of the tool and die maker trade. On November 7, 1970 he was married to the former Nancy Lee Stevens at Virgil, NY. He was active in the 4-H program and the Homer Little League and was a junior bowling coach at Hi-Lanes in Homer for many years. In his early years he played softball in several leagues in the Moravia and Cortland areas. His real love was his family and many friends who will truly miss him.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Lee Austin of Cortland, his daughter, Jennifer L. (Chris Larkin) Austin of Virgil; his sister, Betty Burhans of Preble, NY; a sister-in-law, Betty Austin of Moravia; his mother-in-law, Ada E. Stevens of Dryden; many additional in-laws; nieces; nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, James M. Austin; his two brothers, Raymond "Pete" and Paul; his sisters, Marian Seymour and Minnie "Pinky" Brewer and Beatrice Austin.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church of Homer with Rev. Alan Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. His family will be present to receive their friends between the hours of 6 and 9 PM Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church of Homer. Memorials are graciously directed to the Homer Little League, c/o Tamara Sciera, 795 NYS Rt. 90, Cortland, NY 13045 or to the charity of one's choice. Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, NY is assisting the family.