Marion “M.L.” Lafayette Austin, age 96, passed peacefully at home on January 24, 2026. was married to the love of his life, Betty Wiese Austin, for 75 beautiful years. is survived by his beloved wife Betty Wiese Austin; his children, Connie Jean Austin, Cheri Lynn Austin Warburton, and bonus daughter Dedra Anderson; his grandchildren: Christine Caroline Booker (David) and their children Henry and Olivia, Michael Austin Warburton (Liz) and their children Austin and Violet, nephews Karl Wolfe (JoAnn), Kent Bradford, and niece Marion Garrett. ), their son, Bill Wolfe, Goldie Austin; Minnie Lou Bradford (Bill), and Karl Austin, Jr.Services will be at the McCoy Funeral Home, in Blacksburg, Virginia, on February 6th. With love, The Austin Family