Louis Austin Hamby passed away on Sept. 13, 2022, from a lingering illness. He is survived by his wife LaRue Lamb Hamby, children: Keith Austin (Michelle), Annette (Brian Palmer), Suzanne (Ken Banegas), Kevin Alan (Heather), Shawn Robert (Melissa), and brother, Tony Martin Hamby. They have 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, James and Bernice Hamby, and sister, Thelma Marie Hamby Smedley.

Austin was born in Crossville, Tennessee. His family moved to St. Elmo, Illinois when he was seven. He attended school there through his freshman year of High School. It has been during these years that he started playing basketball.

The Hamby family moved to Bountiful, Utah in June 1956. Austin and Thelma attended Bountiful High School where he excelled on the basketball court. In 1957, he was elected Student Body President of Bountiful High.

After graduation, he joined the army reserve and served six months in Fort Ord California. In August 1959, he left to serve a two-year mission in Roanoke, Virginia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Austin and LaRue were married on Aug. 18, 1961. Five years and two children later, he graduated from Weber State and started teaching school at Stoker School in Bountiful.

In 1971, Austin and LaRue bought a small farm in Crossville, Tennessee located next to his parents. He also taught school in Cumberland County for 30 years. Austin and LaRue taught at the same elementary school for 21 years where their children attended. They retired together in 2001.

Austin was always active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership positions including Branch President for 9 ½ years in the Crossville Branch.

The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all loved working on the farm with their Dad and Papa. He was dearly loved by them all.

The funeral service for Austin will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitation will be from 9 am to 10 am with service to follow at 10 am with Tyler Gunderson officiating. Burial will be in Slate Springs Cemetery immediately following the service.