WALTER AUSTIN

Walter T. (Ostasiewski) Austin, 87, of Wheeling passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Park Health Care Center, St. Clairsville, Ohio.

He was born on November 8, 1936, in Bellaire, Ohio, son of the late Walter Paul and Mary (Burkas) Ostasiewski.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Philip Ostasiewski.

He is survived by his spouse, Carol E. (Wilson) Austin; his son, Charles Randall (Randy) Austin of Ft. Myers, FL; and his grandson, Charles R. Austin of Coral Springs, FL.

Walter retired from West Liberty State College as Director of Student Counseling Services and ADA Coordinator. He also worked at West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville as a psychologist, setting up the first psych unit serving inmates, at Ohio University (Belmont) as Student Advisor Counselor and a Psychology Instructor, at London Correctional Facility (Ohio) as a psychologist, and at WVU, WV Northern, Ohio University, Wheeling Jesuit, Belmont College as an adjunct professor.

He was a standout athlete in football and track at Linsly Military Institute where he graduated in 1954. He then attended West Liberty State College where he received his BA in Education/Psychology and furthered his college career at WVU where he obtained his MA in psychology. Walter also attended Ohio State and WVU for Advanced Studies doctoral program and later graduated from Ohio Correctional Office’s Training Academy.

Walter was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wheeling. He also belonged to the following associations and organizations: Moundsville Rotary (Paul Harris Fellow); Regatta Committee — Ohio Valley Easter Seals (Announcer); Hillhoppers Model Airplane Club Board; American Power Boat Association where he raced hydroplanes throughout the midwest and locally — winning over 70+ races between 1948-90; Academy of Model Aeronautics; Linsly Aviator Society at Linsly School; Belmont College Criminal Justice Advisor Board; Knights Templar (Mason – York Rite Royal Arch); and Shriner’s (Osiris Shrine).

Friends and family will be received at First Presbyterian Church, 1307 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon with Rev. Margie Carr and Dr. Todd Rutherford officiating.

Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003 (304-232-2732). Condolences may be made to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.