Birth date: May 10, 1932 Death date: Jun 20, 2023
“I will lift up my eyes to the hill… From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” - Psalms 121; 1-2 Mr. Robert Fleming Austin, M.D. entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2023. The life of Ro Read Obituary
I'm a Grinnellian (class of '96) and I met Dr. Austin and his wife Joan when I picked them up from the Des Moines, Iowa airport (maybe in ~1993/4) to come for a visit to the Grinnell College campus. They were a delight from the moment they joined me in the car. I had no idea how important Dr. Austin was to the Grinnell community, but it because clear to me over the course of the 1 hour drive from Des Moines to Grinnell. Dr. Austin provided an example to all of us to never stop giving back to the people and institutions that have supported you - and always "pay it forward". My condolences to Dr. Austin's family and friends. - Wendy Werner
Dr. Austin was just "Bob" when I knew him so many years ago at Grinnell. Because I majored in biology, he was a good friend. Although we didn't stay in touch, except by class letters that I wrote, I have been delighted to learn of his career over the years. I strongly echo the words written earlier by another Grinnellian: He truly embodied the spirit of service and lived a meaningful life! I send my deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Liz Barnard Brooke (Grinnell class of 1954
I cherish the life and legacy of Dr. Robert F. Austin. Bob was a pioneering African American pediatrician and pediatric hematologist at Texas Children’s Hospital where I met him in 1991. His career spanned decades. He was a torch bearer and a role model for medicine and the community. He was very supportive to launch and grow my surgical career over 30 years in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Paul K. Minifee MD, Attending Pediatric Surgeon, Texas Children’s Hospital, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
We send heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of Dr. Robert Fleming Austin. He has a long history of helping people, especially young children. He was a mentor and touched many lives by not only treating patients, but genuinely caring for them. We will remember Dr. Austin as a remarkable man with a kind heart and humble spirit. Thank you, Dr. Austin; we appreciate your unselfish acts of kindness. We might never know the full impact his generosity and kindness have on others, how far-reaching his legacy will extend, or the many ways he influenced the lives of others. Yet, God knows, and He will not forget the good he has done. “For God is not unjust, to forget your work and the love you have displayed in the services you have rendered.” (Hebrews 6:10)
May your treasured good memories provide comfort for you always. May prayers strengthen you and God’s loyal love always comfort and sustain you. Please continue to treasure your good memories and may they soothe your saddened hearts. May prayers strengthen you and cherished memories comfort you, and may God soothe your hearts and comfort you always.
Dr. Robert "Bob" Fleming Austin was an exemplary man, who cared about the life of others. I personally witness Dr. Austin mentor and help many young adults become successful individuals.
Dr. Austin was a remarkable, wonderful man with a kind, loving heart and a peaceful, humble spirit. Dr. Austin and Joan, have been a blessing to me and my family and we are deeply sadden that he has passed away. I am so grateful that we met and got to know Bob and Joan and many of their family members. We will truly miss Bob!
May he rest in peace!!!
Gail McKnight & Family
Bob’s life and legacy makes me so proud to be a Grinnellian. He truly embodied the spirit of service and of living a meaningful life. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the whole Grinnell community on his loss.
Dr Austin and I never met in person, but we spoke on the phone a few times and I’d send him life updates from time to time. After graduating from Grinnell College, I was trying to figure out what to do with my career. I knew that I wanted to work in business and Dr Austin offered to speak to me about my interests. From that conversation, he helped me get in touch with my first employer out of college. His only ask was that I pay it forward. After a few years, I attended one of the top business school programs in the country and am doing very well in my career. I’ve done my best to pay it forward and will continue to do so in the years ahead.
Dr Austin had a meaningful impact on my career despite us never meeting in person. I know that he’s been a strong supporter and advocate for many Grinnell students.
Thank you, Dr Austin. I am grateful for your work and impact. The seeds you’ve sown continue to flourish and will for a very long time.
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
