Gordon Dean Austin

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend- Dean’s life was a gift to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

G. Dean Austin, age 75, of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 18th. Dean was a man of deep integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering kindness. He devoted his life to his family, his work, and his community, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter.

Born on January 19, 1950, in Waterloo, IA, Dean was the son of Eli Sr, and Marthenya Barnett Austin. He graduated from East High School, Waterloo, IA. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa and his master’s degree from UNI, in Cedar Falls, IA.

Dean spent thirty-one years of his career at the Iowa Department of Public Health, Licensure Bureau in many different roles ending his career in 2010 as the Bureau Chief. Dean was known for his work ethic, generosity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Dean was an active member of the community and served on numerous boards.

Dean was a devoted husband to Char, with whom he shared twenty and a half beautiful years of marriage. Together they built a life centered on faith, love, family and friends, each of whom brought him immense joy. Once married, they attended Cornerstone Family Church together for 18 years and then joined Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines.

Dean loved playing chess, keeping up with the latest new car trends with his nephew Cameron, and watching sports of all kinds. His quiet humor and warm presence made him a favorite among family, friends, and community. He lived with humility, always willing to lend a hand or share a kind word.

Dean’s survived by wife Charlene (Char) Austin, Son, Mariango Austin, Grandchildren: Krystal Elexus Tajee’ and Nasir Yaquii Austin, Siblings: Celeste (Linda) Austin, Annis Austin (Bradford) Woods, Eli Jr. Austin. Stepson; Samson Boutchee (Amy), Stepdaughter; Silicia Boutchee, Step Grandchildren; Mericia (Amos & Amirah), Warrant, Alscessa, Elijah, Sophia, Josiah and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dean was predeceased by his Father Eli Austin Sr. and mother Marthenya Barnett Austin, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 25th at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Rd. Des Moines, IA 50310 at 11 am.  The family will greet friends from 10 am until service time.  The celebration of Dean's life will be live streamed, please go here to watch: https://player.vimeo.com/video/1094791136 following the service the link will remain active as a recording. All who knew and loved Dean are welcome to attend and honor his memory.

A huge thank you to the Nurses, Staff and Chaplin at Valley View Village, Magnolia where Dean spent the last eight months of his life. May God richly bless each of you. ~Char & Family