A. (Arthur) Dean Austin, 96, of Springfield, IL, passed away on October 9, 2025. Dean was born on July 9, 1929, in Springfield, IL, to Howard B. and Violet (Arthur) Austin. Dean married Wanda J. Reed on July 30, 1950, and they shared a loving marriage until her passing on December 4, 2014.
Also preceding him in death are his parents and three siblings, Betty Ruth Walker, Howard Robert Austin, and William Roger Austin and his grandson Aaron Michael Austin.
Dean is survived by his three children, Kathy (Timothy) Bell of Springfield, David (Patti) Austin of Riverton, and Roger (Stacey) Austin of Springfield; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Dean attended Cincinnati Bible College and served eight years in the United States National Guard. He began his career in accounting and business operations which sparked an interest in the emerging area of data processing management – a field in which he would become a leader. Early on, Dean coordinated projects for Franklin Life Insurance and other Springfield companies as a consultant. His consulting work with the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives led to a formal position there in 1967 where he would build and then lead its Electronic Data Processing Department for several years.
He also served as Comptroller with Arena Distribution, provided computer consulting through his company Austin and Associates, and concluded his career with the State of Illinois in the Central Management Services Department, retiring after ten years of service. Dean was instrumental in developing and growing the Data Processing Management Association’s (DPMA) Springfield Chapter, later to become the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) serving in various leadership roles including President.
Dean was a man of deep faith devoted to the Lord and serving others. He was a lifelong member of West Side Christian Church where he ministered in several capacities including Elder, singing in the Believers Quartet, and youth sponsor among other roles. Dean was especially proud to use his professional skills to help implement information technology for church operations.
Dean and Wanda were 60-year plus members of West Side’s TNT class and proud crew members of that class’s beloved Floyd’s Follies ministry. In retirement, they found joy volunteering at the Lincoln Museum, and welcoming visitors to Springfield.
In his final years, Dean truly valued life among friends, neighbors, and caring staff in the independent living community of Concordia Village, where he thrived. Above all things, Dean loved the Lord and cherished his family. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation: 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Monday, October 27, 2025 at West Side Christian Church.
Funeral Service: 11:30 am, Monday, October 27, 2025 at West Side Christian Church. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Inner City Mission, PO Box 8148, Springfield, IL 62791.
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