COL(RET) AUSTIN FREDERICK, SR.

COL (RET) Austin Frederick Sr., 94, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Affectionately known as "Daddy" to his daughters, "Colonel" to his sons, and "Pops" to his son-in-law, Austin was a cherished patriarch, a distinguished leader, and a devoted community servant. 

Born on June 23, 1930, in Berclair, Texas, to Edward (Ed) Frederick and Dovie Austin. He was the youngest of seven children from their union. Austin was raised with a strong sense of purpose instilled by his mother. Inspired by her wisdom rooted in Proverbs 23:7, "A man is as he thinketh." She encouraged him to pursue education, often saying, "I want you to go to school." In 1952, He became the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in Agriculture Education from Prairie View A&M University. He made history as the first cadet colonel in the university's ROTC program and was commissioned into the U.S. Army Infantry. 

In 1951, Austin married Barbara Shelton and began a partnership marked by love and devotion. They were married 66 years until Barbara’s death in 2018.   The couple had seven children from this union, and they knew the importance of an education.  Providing each of them a foundation, they supported their children through college.  They created a life of “Frederick Stories” that we will always cherish.    

Austin's distinguished 24-year military career took him to numerous stateside and abroad posts. His assignments included Fort Cavazos (formerly Hood), Texas; Fort Moore (formerly Benning), Georgia; Hokkaido Katsu, Japan; Fort Ord, California; Camp Casey, Korea; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Vietnam; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Ohio State University; the Pentagon; Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; La Paz, Bolivia; and Prairie View A&M University.  

As a Green Beret and Special Forces officer in Vietnam, he undertook five combat parachute jumps and two ocean jumps in the Pacific. Fluent in Vietnamese and Spanish, he served as a training advisor to South Vietnamese officers, effortlessly bridging cultural and linguistic divides. Stateside, Austin worked at the Pentagon as a military liaison to Congress. He later returned to Prairie View A&M as a Professor of Military Science, bringing his career full circle and cementing his legacy as an educator and mentor to future leaders.  

His military honors include Bronze Star with w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Joint Service Commendation medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters; and Meritorious Service Medal to name a few.  

In 1976, after retiring from the Army, Austin leveraged his Master of Business Administration degree from Ohio State to a second career in finance, serving as a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Texas Bank in San Antonio for 17 years. Looking for opportunities for mentorship, Austin was a Professor in the Business Department at St. Philip's College.  In addition, he served on many Boards of Directors, Leadership and Advisory Councils.  

In his personal life, he also enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. He also operated a ranch in Goliad County. Austin was an avid golfer, a passion that led to a memorable encounter with the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama on Austin's 88th birthday.  

Austin's community involvement was unwavering. He served as a Deacon at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio, and in February 2024, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church honored him with a Lifetime Service Award.  

Austin was known for his generosity, often giving children a dollar with the heartfelt reminder, "You can't beat God's giving."  

Austin is survived by his son, Austin (Sallie) Frederick Jr. of San Antonio, TX; his daughters Audrey Ann Frederick of San Antonio, TX, and Tammie (Walter) Smiley of Washington, DC; six grandchildren, Austin (Natalie) Frederick III of Houston, TX, Justin Mills, Brandon Mills, and Tiffany Mills of Houston, TX, Anthony Frederick of San Antonio, TX, and Kaitlyn Smiley of Washington, DC; and three great-grandchildren, Alden and Avery Frederick of Houston, TX, and Kayla Frederick of Manor, TX.  

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ronett Frederick; his parents; his siblings; four of his children, Delree Frederick, Kevin Christopher Frederick, Fannie W. Frederick and Raymond E. Frederick; and one grandchild, Dione Frederick of Manor, TX. 

Special thanks to Christina Vasquez who was Austin’s caregiver.  

COL (RET) Austin Frederick, Sr. will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his leadership, kindness, and devotion to family and service. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.