Noel Austin Obituary

Austin
Noel D. "Budd" Austin
December 23, 1921
July 26, 2025

Colonel USAF, Ret'd.
Noel D. ("Budd") Austin passed away at his home in Colorado Springs on July 26, 2025 at the age of 103.
Budd composed this about ten years ago:
"Born and raised in southern Minnesota. Regular Army enlisted medic 1940-41. U.S. Military Academy [West Point] cadet 1941-44 (graduating on D-day 6 June 1944). Thirty-year career in Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force in heavy bomber flight operations (B-24, B-29, B-47, B-52), research and development administration, and space system planning; with interesting excursions into the judge advocate (legal eagle) field (38 courts-martial), machine records of personnel and materiel (pre-computer punch-card era), getting MS in physics at Ohio State, teaching fluid mechanics and thermo-dynamics at the U.S. Naval Academy, getting Navy carrier landing qualification, and running a space/missile surveillance radar station. Also survived a full tour at the Pentagon. [Budd was awarded three Commendation Medals and a Legion of Merit Medal.]
"After retirement in 1974, caught up on a lot of hunting, fishing and gardening. Also delved into exterior and terminal ballistics, originating a couple of new concepts and designing some handy calculation aids.
"Happily married to Frances from September 1948 until her demise in 2001. Two daughters: Jackie and Denise; four grand-children and four great-grand-kids."
A concise summary of his life, but there is so much more to him.
Budd was one of the smartest people the family has known, both book smart and life smart. He graduated 15th in his class at West Point. His bookcase was full of technical tomes on many facets of science and engineering: advanced mathematics, electronics, aviation, space, atomic energy... Calculator in hand, he would often refer to his books when reading an article about some new discovery or invention. Judging by his scribbles in the margins, he was probably checking everyone's math!
His expertise also came in handy when he would build things around the house. Before he even started putting something together, he would laboriously sketch his designs out on paper. He could fix or build just about anything. He and Frances refinished a lot of furniture, antique and contemporary. Every piece turned out beautifully.
Budd had a great love of the outdoors. The family would go camping often when we were kids. Growing up in Minnesota, he learned to hunt and fish with his father and uncles. He continued those activities into his 90s. His pheasant stew was legendary. Some favorite stories: Once while hunting, he encountered a bear and scared it off with a stern word; another time he was attacked by a hummingbird that thought his orange hunting cap was a flower!
Ballistics was a special interest of his. He developed a "computer" (more like a round slide rule) to help improve shooting accuracy. He also wrote a short book, self-published, expanding on his thoughts about ballistics. Several libraries around the country have it in their collections.
A quiet man, he had a crazy, corny sense of humor. Always willing to lend a hand. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father, and delighted in his grandkids and great grandkids. Enjoyed bowling, tinkering around in his workshop, watching football (especially Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and the Army-Navy game). He was a bit of a scavenger on his daily walks, and amassed an impressive collection of screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc. – he was ready for just about any repair!
Budd's passing leaves a huge void in our lives. We love him and miss him immensely.
Budd was preceded in death by his wife Frances Austin (née Jackson); mother Mabel Austin (née Peterson); father William W. Austin; stepmother Thelma Austin (née Davis); brother Wilvin D. Austin; sisters Genevieve Williams, Norma Barneck, and Margaret Maso.
Budd is survived by his daughters: Jackie Austin and Denise Sandlin (David); two grandchildren: Ryan Perry (Misty) and Joshua Perry (Jenaleigh); two bonus grandchildren: Jamie Sandlin and Nathan Sandlin (Raquel); two great grandchildren: Harris and Austin; and six bonus great grandchildren: Mikayla, Colton, Weston, Kiera, Olivia, and Anna. All reside in Colorado. He is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of Budd's life will be planned for the future.
To honor Budd's memory, please consider a donation in his name to: The Old Mutt Hut (theoldmutthut.org), Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (hsppr.org), Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).