Robert D. "Bob" Austin, 87, of Lafayette, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at his residence.

Born in Carroll County on Sept. 11, 1923, he was the son of the late Verlin and Frona Redding Austin. He was a 1941 graduate of Delphi High School. He served in the Army during World War II on Iwo Jima in the Pacific theatre.

He married Alma Harner on Jan. 20, 1951, in Delphi, and she survives.

Mr. Austin did soil testing and worked at the agronomy farm for the Purdue University agronomy department for 36 years. He retired in March 1988.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, college sports, especially Purdue basketball, and spending time with his family.

Surviving with his wife is a daughter, Carolyn Bailey (husband: Jim) of Lafayette.

Also surviving are 3 grandchildren, Kris Collison (husband: Mike) of Gig Harbor, Wash., Steve Johnson (wife: Rachel) of West Lafayette and Mindy Whitt (husband: Kevin) of Lafayette; 7 great-grandchildren, Jake, Kayla, Elizabeth, Sydney, Kenzie, Isaac and Caleb; and 2 nephews, David and Richard Baum. Preceded in death by a sister, Mary Baum.

Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at

. Service 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Arnold officiating. Burial to follow at Masonic Cemetery in Delphi. The family requests memorial contributions be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church.

entrusted with care.