Devon Austin, 19

Devon Austin, 19

Devon Channing Austin, age 19, of Coeur d’Alene died Sept. 12, 2010, in Twin Falls, Idaho, from injuries received in a car accident.  Devon was born Aug. 3, 1991, to Timothy and Paula (Edinger) Austin.  He is survived by his parents; his brothers, Chris and Dustin Willoughby; his sister and nephew, Dionne and Blake Austin; his grandparents, Ron and Nancy Edinger, all of Coeur d’Alene, Ron and Donna Austin of Spokane Valley, Marguerite Austin of Spokane; the Edinger and Austin clans; several cousins; and most importantly, his beloved Jess.

Devon brought kindness, happiness, and inspiration to everyone he came into contact with. Be it on the baseball diamond, basketball court, inside and outside the classroom, Devon left an indelible mark on countless peers (Jake and Connor can vouch for this). The memories are countless; state “ball trips” with teammates, numerous days perfecting his swing in the cage, sojourns to the lake, video game sessions with his brothers, attempting to figure out what he wanted to eat at family functions (not to mention numerous duels over this at home), and the countless hours and days he spent with his partner, Jess. Devon’s carefree attitude could infect countless rooms and people, easily putting those that might be uncomfortable at ease, filling up a room with smiles and laughter. He wasn’t shy in his reactions, but didn’t cast judgments or aspersions. His undeniable love for a good time was marked by his love for life.

His parents, to the very end, were so very proud of watching their boy grow up into the mature young man that he became. His poise and maturity in handling adversity was so remarkable for someone of his age, they not only raised a marvelous son, but a fine young man, who was greatly appreciated by many and loved by all.

Devon’s mother was his friend, and his number one fan. He loved you, he loved when you were at his side, at his games, and he succeeded when you were present. Devon’s father was his friend and his coach. His continued love for his father showed through in his skill as an athlete.

A close family friend remarked that Devon was like a piece of a puzzle that connected many people in countless ways, be it through athletic feats, scholarly achievements, or just a friendly smile or glance. Devon is an example to others that if you work hard, and strive to be the best, you can achieve your dreams. Devon lived the dream. God bless our little “Devo”.  Devon would never let us forget, “I ain’t never been scurred!” He was truly a fearless kid.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls, with Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, in care of the arrangements. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Coeur d’Alene, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21.

A baseball scholarship has been set up in Devon’s name at Idaho Independent Bank c/o Toni Capaul, 1260 W. Riverstone Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814. Please visit Devon’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com