Austin G. Anderson, 27, passed away Saturday morning May 12, 2012, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Austin was born on February 6, 1985 to Monte Grey and Mary Frances Anderson.

Austin graduated from Ringwood High School in 2003, where he excelled in football, making the 8-man All-Star Team. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Marine Reserves and served two tours in Iraq. In 2012 Austin was pinned Staff Sergeant Anderson in Washington D.C. and was later honorably discharged after eight years of dedicated military service.

Austin accomplished a life goal of graduating from Oral Roberts University on May 5, 2012, with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Immediately after graduating, Austin began his dream career at Teen Mania Ministries in Tyler, Texas as Head of Operations and Marketing. Austin was a dedicated member of Faith Center Fellowship, the church founded by Austin’s father.

While serving Teen Mania Ministries, Austin’s plane went down north of Wichita, Kansas. Austin was one of two survivors of the accident and was able to heroically carry the other survivor from the scene of the accident. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

All who know Austin will forever profess of his inspiration to others to find purpose in life and strive to help all those in need. His favorite movie line quotes, “Every man dies, but not every man truly lives”, and Austin is one of the few that truly lived for each day.

Austin is survived by his fiancé and love of his life Elizabeth Thaxton; his mother Mary Anderson; brother Aubrey James; sister Allie Joy; grandparents Don (Papa) and Carrol Ann (Annie) Anderson; grandmother Edna Parker and husband Neil; and many extended family. Proceeding in death is Austin’s father Monte Grey Anderson, Uncle H.O. Scott, and Grandfather Don Steidl.

The Celebration Service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Oklahoma. Arrangements are by Anderson-Burris Funeral Home, Enid. Memorials are to ORU Veterans Scholarship.