Gene Austin, a longtime Ventura County community member and United States Air Force veteran, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Simi Valley, California, surrounded by family. He was 93.

Gene was born on October 13, 1932, in Tulare, California. His family later moved to Bakersfield before settling in Santa Paula, where he spent much of his youth. During that time, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1951 at the age of 18 and served honorably during the early Cold War era, including the Korean War period.

He was assigned to Headquarters Squadron, United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), Field Support Services Detachment, in Wiesbaden, West Germany. His duties combined technical and clerical responsibilities in support of headquarters-level operations at a time of heightened security and strategic importance in postwar Europe, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Germany Occupation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in August 1954.

Gene worked for State Farm Insurance for 32 years, both in management and as an agent. He thoroughly enjoyed the relationships he built up in helping people with their insurance needs. He was a proud dad of five sons, and he especially enjoyed watching them play the sports and music they loved, from their early years, through college and current day, and took pleasure in being present for those moments.

Later in life, Gene met Amelia, sharing 53 wonderful years together that included 39 years of marriage. He was the President - Elect for the Oxnard North Rotary Club, and in 1987 both Amelia and Gene attended an International Rotary Club convention in Germany. After retirement, they moved to Palm Desert, drawn to the desert climate and lifestyle. A devoted golfer, Gene especially enjoyed his time as a Marshal and Starter at Indian Wells—roles he loved as much for the camaraderie as for the game itself.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, William and Amy Austin; his brothers, Bill Austin and Bobby Austin; and his sister, JoAnn McLaughlin. He is survived by his wife, Amelia Austin, his former wife and mother of his children, Melzora Austin, and his five sons: Gene Austin (Marcy) of Ventura, CA; Brinks Austin (Nancy) of Gilbert, AZ; Brad Austin (Loraine) of Simi Valley, CA; Tony Austin (Dorothy) of Ventura, CA; and Cy Austin of Santa Paula, CA. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 11 great -grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on February 28 at 10:00 a.m. PST at the Community of Christ, 1848 Poli Street, Ventura, California 93001.