Forrest Andrew “Andy” Austin, age 85, of the Illinois Veterans Home Quincy died on February 23rd, 2026, at Blessing Hospital. He was born on December 29th, 1940, in Ava, IL, the son of Gabriel H Austin and Mildred M Brownfield. He married Gail M Buske on September 18th, 1965, in Granite City Illinois. She survives.

He graduated from Woodriver High School in 1958 and served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1968. After his military service he became a draftsman eventually settling in Jacksonville, IL and began a career in the tax assessor’s office in Morgan County Illinois where he retired as the tax assessor. He was a self-taught artist who focused on oil and watercolor painting. He was a member of the Jacksonville Art League. Later in life he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at the University of Illinois.

In addition to his wife Gail, he is survived by his children Forrest Andrew Austin Jr (Andy) wife Christie, Jill Marie Schindler husband Karl, Kelli Elzabeth Brooks husband Robert. Grandchildren Nicholas Austin, Kaitlyn Austin, Claire Austin, Charlie Brooks, Lewis Brooks, Olivia Brooks and Annabel Brooks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rick and sister Kay.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Illinois Veterans Home Quincy, Blessing Hospital and Hospice.

No formal services or visitation are planned at this time. Internment with military honors at Camp Butler will take place at a later time. The Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.