Frank Warren Austin, born November 15, 1946, in Fitchburg, New Hampshire, passed away on August 8, 2026, in Bennington, New Hampshire, following a prolonged illness.

Throughout his life, Frank called many places home, including Brookline, NH; Escondido, CA; Milford, NH; Wilton, NH; and Bennington, NH. He retired after a career as a welder and fabricator for Novel Iron Works in Greenland, NH.

Frank was first married to Evelyn Corinne Duhamel, with whom he had two sons, Don and Aaron Austin. He later married Laurie Smith, who had two children, Cari and Andrew.

Frank loved dirty jokes, fishing, hunting, playing guitar, and enjoyed having lunch at Brady's Restaurant. He also enjoyed beer - Budweiser in his early days and Sam Adams as his taste buds matured. He fondly referred to beer as "mother's milk" and was well known for occasionally offering a one-finger salute.

A true foodie and an excellent cook, Frank appreciated a good meal and enjoyed preparing food for others. He supported the Veterans Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Shriners Children's burn care program. He was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Above all, Frank loved his family. His parents, spouses, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and the many friends he made along the way all mattered deeply to him. Beneath his tough exterior was a big and generous heart that he could never quite hide.

Frank is survived by his sons, Don Austin and Aaron Austin; his bonus daughter, Cari Byrne; his granddaughter, Jasmine Sherman; and his three great-grandsons, Kyler, Ryden, and Tripp. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley (Zeke) Johnson; many nieces and nephews; and his longtime friend, Ray Amadon, a lifelong friendship that started when they were teenagers.

Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Evelyn; his second wife, Laurie; his stepson, Andrew; his parents, Leo Sr. and Eva; and his siblings, Jim, John, Leo Jr., Dot, Dick, and Eileen.

In accordance with Frank's wishes, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life "Kegger" will be held in his honor at a future date.

The Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.