Sean Harlan Austin, Ph.D

Columbus Grove- Sean Harlan Austin, Ph.D., 72, of Columbus Grove died 3:32 p.m. unexpectedly, Friday, November 20, 2015 at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo.

He was born February 16, 1943 in Denver, Colorado to the late Harlan Vance and Dorothy (Hampton) Austin.  On June 25, 1966, he married Christina Choate who survives in Columbus Grove.

Sean is also survived by their three children: Teresa Austin of Leipsic, Iain Austin  and Harlan (Aubrey) Austin both of Denver, CO. and a beloved granddaughter: Avery Austin.

Dr. Austin devoted his life to helping people.  After receiving his doctorate from the University of California of Berkeley, he started as a Professor of Psychology at Kenyon College.  He then worked at the Lima State Mental Hospital, Hancock County Mental Health Center and eventually transitioned into private practice in the village of Columbus Grove.  When not practicing his craft , he enjoyed playing Santa for over 25 years, offering two generations of children the delight of tugging on an authentic beard as he wiggled out of promising puppies without parental consent.

As a Universal Life Church Minister, he enjoyed uniting couples committed to each other and performed his service from California to Florida.  Dr. Austin enjoyed the life of the mind and loved to live life to its fullest.  Larger than life and a bit raunchy in humor, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at LOVE FUNERAL HOME,  Ottawa.   Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Putnam Co. Special Olympics, Columbus Grove EMS or Putnam Co. Crime Victim Services.

Condolences may be expressed to: www.lovefuneralhome.com.