AUSTIN CAIRNS

Austin R. Cairns, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, May 12, 1998, at St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born March 22, 1916, in Coulterville, Ill., son of Thomas R. and Goldie L. Carr Cairns. He and Martha Wilson were married Sept. 8, 1936, in Sparta, Ill.

Cairns was employed 41 years with Illinois Power Co. in Sparta, and was service area manager 23 of those years, retiring in 1978. He then lived in New Port Richey, Fla., 19 years, moving to Cape Girardeau in May 1997.

He was a past president of Sparta Board of Education, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and former member of Sparta Building and Loan Board of Directors.

Cairns was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, IBEW Local 1306, and life member of DAV in New Port Richey. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Richard Cairns of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Jean Cairns of Downers Grove, Ill.; a brother, Bobby Cairns of Albuquerque, N.M.; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Brendan Dempsey officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.