Charles Austin

On August 8, 1944, when Charles Wesley Austin was born he did not come alone. His identical twin brother, Carl was close behind. Their parents, Elizabeth McGill and Roy Wattley felt especially blessed to have two healthy sons. After graduating from East High School in Wichita, Kansas, Charles worked during the day as a machinist for Cessna Aircraft. However, in the evenings, he played the organ at a local night club. In l971, Charles wanted a change of venue. His destination was California. In route to California, Charles made a stop in Denver, Colorado. Intrigued by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, he decided to make Denver his home. Charles' first job was driving for Ritz Cab, the only Black Cab Company in Denver. He also worked at Central Baptist Church directing the youth choir. In 1972, Charles secured a job as a Denver Metro Driver for the Regional Transportation District, RTD. Later, he rose through the ranks to become a Driver Instructor. After 27 years of dedicated service, Charles retired from RTD. Charles has been described as a hardworking, dedicated, generous person who, during the Blizzard of 1982 walked six miles to work because he wanted to ensure that others would be able to make it to their destinations. Charles was not all work; he enjoyed family gatherings, decorating his home, playing his black grand piano and taking weekly excursions to Blackhawk to play the penny slot machine for hours! Charles is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth M. Cole, father, Roy Wattley and beloved twin brother Carl Leslie Austin. Charles leaves to cherish his memory four siblings; Sheila Williams Price (James) of Brooklyn Center, MN, Doris E. Cole of Seattle, WA, James Ponds (Alicia), Clearwater, FL and Christy Rideaux of Denver. Shawn; who he called his son; his childhood friends, Ronnie Davis and Robert Collins, his special friend, Helen Rahmin; his extended- family, the entire Johnston family; and his friend and companion of 44 years, Alphonso Johnston of Aurora, Colorado; his four legged children, "Dogs", Pete, Tim, Mia, and Jason; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 2/12/2017 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/13/2017 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: Private Interment -
Family Gathering: 2/8/2017 - Following the service... Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO