Delmar Henry Austin, dedicated father, adoring grandfather, loving husband, cowboy poet and cherished friend was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2023. Best known as "Papa Del" to his loved ones, he leaves behind an unwavering legacy of love.

The second of four children, he was born December 2, 1936 to Henry Durant Austin and Letha May Barefoot Austin in Mexia, Texas. After graduating from Waco's LaVega High School in 1956, he attended Baylor University where he developed his lifelong loyalty to the Baylor Bears.

Delmar Austin married Bette Sue Wood in 1957, and they went on to have four children. While spending portions of their lives in Waco and Irving, they eventually set roots in Midlothian, Texas. He worked for Proctor and Gamble before opening his own convenience store in Midlothian. "Del's Drive-In" was an integral part of the community, and whether a daily customer or just someone passing through, he treated everyone as a friend.

Del was a proud member of Midlothian Bible Church, which was pastored by Dave Wyrtzen at the time of its founding. He took pride in supporting both the community and his family, acting as the President of the Midlothian Booster Club as well as the coach of many of his childrens' sports teams.

Del had a tremendous passion for rodeo and preserving the cowboy lifestyle. The roping arena he built with his friends at his home on Mt. Zion Road in Midlothian was one of the first of its kind in North Texas. The "Mt. Zion Roping Club" was a place of fun and fellowship for all ages.

He moved to South Texas in 1990 to work as a sales representative for Court's Saddlery. Del met and fell in love with Candy Orr Siebrecht. On December 3, 1994, Del and Candy were married in Boerne, Texas. After spending a few years in Helotes, they built their dream place together in Quihi. Anyone who visited could feel the comfort and love that exuded from their home.  Friends and family were always welcome around his campfire and frequently enjoyed visits at the "sittin spot" under the backyard's giant oak trees. Del and Candy were inseparable throughout the remainder of his life.

Del had a passion for working with his hands and valued time in his shop. Along with brokering saddles, he built roping dummies and anything else he could dream up and weld together. He took pride in providing a good product, but he was most gratified by the relationships he built with those he met while traveling.

Del was a cowboy and a poet. While his words of being a cowboy were eloquent and insightful, he was truly handy with a horse and roped competitively into his seventies. Papa Del taught numerous kids to rope and ride and also set an example of how to live. He loved to express the sentiments of being a cowboy through his poetry, possessing an uncanny knack for recalling every word without referencing the page.

Papa Del was immensely proud of his entire family. He was a fountain of wisdom to all, from his grown children down to his great-grandchildren. He always looked forward to family updates and relished in telling others how proud he was of each of them.

Ultimately, Papa Del will be remembered for the things he cherished most: sincere, loving relationships with an abundance of family and friends.

Del is survived by his loving wife, Candy Austin, who selflessly cared for him through the years. Left to carry on his legacy of love are his children, Susan Swanson and husband, Gordon, of Waco, Terry Austin and wife, Laurie, of Bronte, Kathy Parnell and husband, Mike, of Grandview, Joey Austin and wife, Lauren, of Spring Branch; step-children, Brandie Brucks and husband, Cory, of Hondo, Kim Britsch of Alamo Heights; sisters, Ruth Fields and Darlene Lang, of Waco; brother, James Austin and wife, Carolyn, of Waco. Papa Del adored his grandchildren: Tiffany McFarling, Kylie Barbin, Tommy Swanson, Andrea Swanson, Emily Davidson, Katie Moody, Ryan Parnell, Shelley Miller, Ashleigh Godwin, Miles Austin, Karrington Alarid, Campbell Austin, Lincoln Austin, Kelsie Brucks, Kallie Brucks, Corbyn Britsch and Ella Britsch. Papa Del was blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his beloved grey team roping horse, James.

We will celebrate his life on Sunday, July 23rd at 1:00 pm at Elsass Hall, 1201 Fiorella Street, Castroville, Texas 78009.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919

Arrangements by Tonde-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville.