Austin Connard Prewit , born on January 5, 1939, to parents George and Mary Prewit in Bush, Arkansas, bid farewell to this world on April 27, 2024. Austin's journey began in the heart of rural Arkansas, where he grew up.

Austin's hardworking entrepreneurial spirit started at an early age, when he ran river trips up and down the White River as a fishing guide for a few dollars a day.

A significant time in Austin's life was when their family lived in the Whitewater area, and he was led to Christ by Mrs. Ben Wiebe from Emmaus Mennonite Church.

At the age of 16, Austin embarked on a new chapter when his parents signed him up to join the Army. For nine years, he served his country and was honorably discharged.

At the end of his military service Austin met the love of his life, Ulala June Williams. After enthusiastically pursuing her, the two were married September 3rd, 1960. Their marriage was soon blessed with three daughters; Kimberly, Tammara, and Sherri.

In his moments of leisure, Austin dedicated himself to teaching Sunday school, particularly for those with mental challenges, embodying his compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others. Austin also found solace in fishing and off-road 4-wheeling adventures in the snow, often accompanied by his daughters who shared his zest for life. His curiosity knew no bounds, and he dabbled in welding and indulged his love for machinery. Another activity Austin enjoyed was square dancing, as a way to continually woo his wife, "Lale."

Austin ventured into entrepreneurship, founding "Prewit Septic Services" in the 1960's. His innate passion for operating heavy machinery led him to rebrand his business as Prewit Construction, a transformation that brought him immense fulfillment. Working with heavy equipment became more than just a profession for Austin—it was a source of joy and relaxation, akin to a vacation.

Austin and Ulala ran Prewit Construction together for over fifty years, before a serious health issue compelled Austin to step down from his beloved work. His particular ailment was not typically survived, but when the medical staff questioned this, Austin proudly proclaimed that he has a great big Jesus.

Austin's outgoing nature endeared him to all who knew him, and he never hesitated to strike up a conversation with strangers. If ever he fell silent, it was a sure sign that he wasn't feeling well—a testament to his lively spirit and sociable demeanor.

Beyond his professional and personal pursuits, Austin cultivated an impressive garden, growing tomatoes that reached towering heights of 8 feet—gardening was something he and Ulala enjoyed doing together.

Austin leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, cherished by his wife of sixty-two years, Ulala, and daughters Kim Boyenger (Vern), Tammy Lawson, and Sherri Griffin (Max), as well as his brothers Charles, James, and Tom, and sisters Marylou, Shirley, and Minnie. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his grandchildren Levi Boyenger (Katie), Luke Boyenger (Wendy), Leah Brunner (AJ), Lydia Ngongi, Lance Boyenger (Abby), Kalem Richmond (Allison), Daniel Richmond (Marti), Kayla Hayes (Tanner), and Ryan Griffin, along with his great-grandchildren, Elijah, Asher, Evangeline, Kadin, Carson, Daniel, Emery, Willow, Reid, and Ada.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary, but his spirit of adventure and kindness will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the eternal love of his family and the memories of a life well-lived.