Herbert Austin, Sr. (Lansing)

Herbert Austin, Sr. passed away September 7, 2023, at Divine Nest in Leslie, Michigan. Age 88 years. He was born October 8, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan to parents, Zella Nesbitt and C.H. Austin.

Herb was a life-long resident of Lansing, Michigan, attending Eastern High School where he was known as “small & mighty” as he played guard in football. Herb also won state championships for two consecutive years in wrestling.

After graduating, Herb served honorably in the United States Army and attended both Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. He went on to become the Director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, where he retired after 33 years of service.

Herb faithfully served as an Elder, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church in DeWitt, Michigan. In addition, he proudly helped in establishing The Junior Deacon Board, as well.

He was a loving husband to his wife, Kathryn, of 61 years before she preceded him in death. Herb adored his family endlessly.

Herb leaves to cherish his memory daughter, LaNette (Randall) Hester; sons, Herbert Austin, Jr., and André Austin; grandchildren, Angel (Marcus) Nickerson, Jonathan (Nyshell) Lawrence, Mariah Lawrence, André (Briana) Austin, Steven Lawrence, Ryeasha Hester, Ryanna Hester, and Ryaira Hester; great grandchildren, Joelle King, Olyvia Lawrence, Emerson Lawrence, Imari Lawrence, Luna Nickerson, Sol Nickerson, Azaria Austin, Brylo Saxton, and Dayanna Hunt; daughter-in-law, Liz Austin; brothers-in-law, Willkie Hopkins and Samuel (Deanna) Hopkins; and many more relatives and friends, including adopted daughters, Debra Austin, Tanya Geffrard, Michelle McGuire, and Tamie Moran.

He was preceded in death by the wife he adored, Kathryn; father, C.H. Austin; mother, Zella Nesbitt; stepfather, John Henry Nesbitt; and grandparents, Wesley and Lula Austin, David and Bessie Hinton.

The family would like to express special thanks to Divine Nest Assisted Living Facility of Leslie, Michigan for the exceptional love and care they provided to our father during his time there, we are forever grateful, and you will always have a special place in our hearts. And to Jeff and Sarina for their endless love and support in his latter years.