Rev. Stephen W. Austin Sr., 62, of Decatur, passed away Friday afternoon, August 14, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Steve was born in Muncie on July 9, 1964, to Kenneth M. and Carol Sue (Hartman) Austin. He married Sherry L. Brickey at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Bluffton on October 28, 1984; she survives.

A 1983 graduate of Norwell High School, Steve then served in the United States Army from 1983 until 1984. He then attended I.P.F.W. where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and later received his Master of Divinity degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Steve served as a pastor at several Northern Indiana Churches for over 30 years, and for the past six years has served as the lead pastor of Grace First Community Church in Decatur.

In addition to the several churches Steve served, he was also a member of the American Legion Post 43 in Decatur. Steve had a passion for ministry, but he also loved Elvis, John Wayne movies, Star Trek, and watching football.

In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by two sons, Wes (Britni) Austin of Avon and A.J. (M.K.) Austin of Ligioneer; three sisters, Marie (Tom) Nunley of Ossian, Sarah (Alan) Shupert of Decatur, and Rachel Austin of Bluffton; along with three grandchildren, Stella and Ivy Austin, and Corbin Austin.

Aside from his parents, Steve was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Mygrant.

Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2026, from 3:00 until 7:00 PM, at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home in Bluffton. Services will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, at 10:00 AM, at Grace First Community Church in Decatur, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. David Reed will officiate. Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton, with military graveside rites conducted by the Decatur American Legion Post 43 in conjunction with the United States Army honor guard.

Memorial donations may be made to Grace First Community Church of Decatur or Briana’s Hope, which is recovery ministry provided through Grace First Community Church, which Steve was very passionate about.