Michael “Augie” “Mikey” Austin

Michael (Augie, Mikey) Austin passed on Monday, October 4, 2021 after a strong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born October 5, 1964 to Kenneth and JoAnn Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Brian; sister, Susie Martin; niece, Margaret Mileham; and nephew, Blake Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Jodee Dinora Austin and daughter, Sydnee Dinora-Austin, at home. Also surviving are his sons, Eric (Krista) of Athens and Brandon (Cana) of Springfield and his daughter, Kim (Luke Weatherby) of Dawson and their mother, Mary; two granddaughters, Madison and McKenzie; one sister, Pat (Jim) Mileham of Riverton; lots of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mike grew up in Pawnee where he was known to “terrorize” the town with his pranks. If you heard the church bell ringing at midnight, there was a good chance Mike had something to do with it.

He graduated high school in 1982. In 1985, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Debby Eddington. They later divorced.

In 1990, he married Mary (Susie) Reeves. They had three children together. Eric, Brandon, and Kim. They later divorced.

Mike found his true love when he met Jodee. They married in 2011 and were blessed with Sydnee.

Mike met many people from his days of growing up in Pawnee, where he was known as Augie to his days with WQLZ where he was known as Mikey.

Mike began his work life at Zayre (1982-90). He later worked at Best Buy (1990-96) and left there to do radio on a more full-time basis. He was part of the Ray Lytle’s Morning Disaster until 2006. From 1996-2002 he worked at Shaner’s. When he left radio, he went to work for CSC until 2018 when he took a position with the State of Illinois. Since 2000, he has been owner/operator of Mikey’s Entertainment and has helped local fairs and band with booking needs. He was also the emcee at the Bud Light tent at the Illinois State Fair for 20 years.

Mike had three main hobbies that identified him. First, he was a fanatical die-hard KISS fan since 1975. He attended 80 concerts and, on several occasions, hung out with several of the band members. Second, Mike was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and traveled to several games. He rarely missed a game on TV. Third and possibly the most important was his love for New Orleans. In 1999, he visited there as part of a radio broadcast and fell in love with it. When he met Jodee, she also fell in love with New Orleans. Yearly trips were taken (usually during Mardi Gras). The times he spent with Jodee in New Orleans were truly remarkable times for him.

When Mikey got sick his love of talking with family and friends became his focus. His granddaughters were his rays of sunshine on days he was feeling down.

Mikey’s last wish was that his services would be a celebration. Please dress casually and come to laugh, joke and smile.

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Monday, October 11, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Pastor Shane Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Navy Club Ship #32 Auxiliary, c/o Evalin Woollen, 2804 Ridge Ave, Springfield, IL 62702.

CDC protocol shall be followed.

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