Austin Richard Marks Sr., 77, of Willington, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family. He was the widow of Betty (Rada) Marks.
He was born on June 9, 1946, in Meriden and was the son of the late Howard and Blanche "Polly" (Lowe) Marks.
Austin grew up in Merrow, CT with his family-owned store where he met his forever love, Betty. They were married for over 45 years and met while in their teens.
He was drafted into the Army and served time in Vietnam.
Austin and Betty started their own carpentry business (RBM Building Co.) where his passion was framing with his son by his side. He built countless homes throughout the years. The most sentimental was the family home built in 1973 and his daughter Lisa's home in 2006.
He and Betty relocated and spent many happy years in Colorado. They returned to Connecticut to be reunited with their children and grandchildren in 2002.
In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors: kayaking, trapping, bicycling and walking in the woods. He often blazed his own trails, and his family joked that they were going to put a game tracker on him.
Austin was a big advocate for trapping/outdoor conservation and was a proud member of the Connecticut Trapping Association. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022.
He was a very humble man who would spend countless hours helping anyone that was in need. His children were always so proud of him and have so many memories back to their childhood, and throughout the years, from spending precious time with their dad.
He was a loving parent, a provider and a role model to all and will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know him.
Austin is survived by his three children, Austin Marks Jr. and fianc? Sherry of Mansfield Center; Lisa Richard and her husband Peter of Broad Brook, Nicole Mercado of Willington; brother, Cliff Marks and partner Ray of Willimantic. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Christopher, Kelsi, Nickolas and Leah.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Brad Marks.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday July 24, 2023, from 6-8 P.M. at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave, Windsor, CT 06095. A burial will be held with Military Honors on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Willington Hill Cemetery, 171 Tolland Turnpike (Rte. 74), Willington, CT 06279. In lieu of flowers, donations in Austin's memory can be made to the Connecticut Trappers Association, P.O. Box 1633, Wallingford, CT 06492.
