DEXTER--Elwin "Sonnie" Leland Austin, Jr., 79, died July 31, 2016 at a Pittsfield hospital.

He was born December 8, 1936 in Hartland, the son of Elwin and Phyllis (Porter) Austin, Sr. He served in the National Guard and was a member of the Penobscot Lodge, IOOF. Sonnie was a lifelong self-employed woodsman. In his later years, he also worked for the Town of Dexter until retirement.

Sonnie is survived by his wife, Joyce of Dexter; 7 children, Kenneth Austin of Sacramento, CA, Kim and husband Stephen Tewksbury of Ripley, Sunny Robbins and Tammy Glidden, both of Dexter, Lynne Lally of Corinth, Laura Bigelow and Scott Austin both of Ripley; 2 sisters, Eleanor Hopkins and Jeanne Oliver both of Plymouth; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend Robert Gray of Parkman.

He was predeceased by a grandson Christopher Nichols.

Graveside services will be held 1 P. M. Wednesday, August 10th, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter.

Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter.