(870) 483-6313 (870) 483-6311

Theo O'Neal "Peanut" Austin, Jr.
August 25, 1945 - October 25, 2014

Mr. Theo O’Neal "Peanut" Austin, Jr., of Trumann died Saturday, October 25, 2014, at the family residence surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 69 years and 2 months. He was born Saturday, August 25, 1945 in Batesville, Ark., and had lived his lifetime in Trumann. He was a retired electrician for Arkansas Power and Light (Entergy), veteran of the U.S. Army, former member of the Trumann Lions Club and a member of the Viva Drive Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theo O’Neal Sr. and Florine Othel Wilson Austin. Mr. Austin is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sheila Biggers Austin of the home; five daughters, DeDe (Jeff) Wells, Paula (Jackie) McHalffey, Thea Austin, Leah (Michael) King all of Trumann and Patricia (Josh) Owens of Bay; one son, Trey (a.k.a.) Theo O’Neal Austin, III of the home; one sister, Mary Helen (Dennis) Cole of Wasilla, Alaska; one brother, Aubrey Austin Travis of Lake City; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the Viva Drive Church of Christ in Trumann with Gary Hill and Bill Willard officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Johnny Barnes, Solan Lott, Tommy Richardson, Johnny Johnson, Danny Andrews and Joe Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be Dewight England, Keith Winningham, and Dr. Brannon Treece. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 until 7 at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ar. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

 Print Obituary

Service details

 Print Guestbook
  1. danny laire, searcy arkansas 72143 says

    we are so sorry to hear about Theo"s passing , he was a great boss when we hot shotted for him, it was great to have a boss you could talk to and be a great friend at the same time . with deepest sympathy danny and chiquita laire

  2. Tammy Williams McNatt, Trumann, AR says

    Thea and Family, Our deepest prayers are with you and all of your Father's family and many friends. May God wrap you all in his arms and bring you comfort in this time of sorrow. Tammy Williams McNatt, Jimmy and Geneva Williams.

  3. Jenifer Mott, Flippin Arkansas says

    Praying for all of you.

  4. James Plunkett, Lonoke Ar says

    Leah ,So very sorry for the loss ... Crossing over of a parent especially , is always a heart and head battle . We are grateful for their painfree glory but can't but have the human side of us to b selfish at letting go .. The laughter, hugs, memories do become a sweet comforting memory one day without a tear.. So I hope for inner peace, contentment of mind and heart along with strength and prayers of comfort in the oncoming days ... Extra prayers for your family at this time with my heartfelt compassion ..James /Randy Newman Plunkett

  5. Courtney Parnell,Nathan Gardner Austin.McHalffey, Blytheville,Arkansas says

    The family is in our thoughts & prayers at this very tough times. Theo was my son Austin's great grandpa & an amazing family man.

  6. Tom Balcom, Trumann says

    Theo was a good man with a good heart. I still remember the tall lanky kid who always showed grace and character. Back then, as fellow Bible class members, He and I shared the back row because we were both kinda shy. Even then, and as now in his ordeal, he exhibited a strength that many lack. I will miss seeing the Big Guy with the black hat walking into worship services. May God bless all of you.

  7. Brandy, Zapata says

    So sorry for your loss!

  8. Linda Moore, Trumann says

    My heart is sad of your family's loss. Keep God in your heart for comfort.

  9. Gary & Carolyn Burgess, Trumann,AR says

  10. barbara collett, trumann,ark. says

    I am so sorry about your loss, He was a good man. I"ve known him for a long long time, He will be missed. My prayers are with the family .http://www.thompsonfuneralhome.net/images/icons/cross2.gif

  11. elmo Lane, Trumann,AR says

    RIP my old friend--you will be missedwhen I sit in Church I know that once again you will be sitting right behind me.someday we will sit together in that big home prepared by our savior's hand. Elmo

  12. Mark & Sheila Walker, Mount Juliet, TN says

    I will hang on to my memories of Theo. Having all those fun catfish frieswhen we came to visit, your car that you built from a kit, your beautiful red hair, and that infectious laugh. To my cousins, Sheila and Trey, we are offering our love, prayers, and support to you all. Please know that God is caring for you throughthe hands and hearts of others. Wishing all of you the gift of memorywhenever you need to know, the one you love still walks with youwherever you may go. Love y'all.

  13. April Gregory Wright Adams, Trumann, AR says

    Theo was one the nicest men i ever met. Always polite and kind. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. May God be with you all during this difficult time.

  14. Jimmy Carter, Harrisburg, Arkansas says

    My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family during this time of loss of "PEANUT". He was always a friend.

  15. L. C. (buttons) & Peggy McHalffey, Trumann, Ark. says

    So sorry to hear about your lost. Sorry I can't attend the funeral but I am sure Buttons will be there. If you all need anything let me or Buttons know. Keeping you all in my prayers.

  16. Lisa Davies ( McClaughlin, Trumann says

    Sheila, we have know watch other since childhood. Mew both have missed out so much in our life's. If isn't wasn't for you, I would not have my first born Brandon. It's your fault lol. I'm praying and thinking of you through this aweful time. I love you, I pray for you. I've been where you are now. Just remember in no time, you will be togther again. Your love for that man, Theo will never go away. Your time left in this earth is Gods will. And don't ever give up or loss through this. You are one strong woman!! I'm here any time!!

  17. Shirley McClaughlin Redd, Jonesboro Arkansas says

    I am sorry to hear about Theo death. I loved his parents so I guess I have known this family a long time. I pray as you grieve that you will remember him with fondness. Shelia I lost my spouse 7 years ago and it is hard but eventually you will find peace and be able to go one with your life. May God help you as you walk alone without him.

  18. Tonya towery, United States says

    So so sorry for your Loss's I know how it is you are in my heart may God be with y'all though this time.

  19. Hester Hogan, Trumann, Ark. says

    Dear Austin Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are a strong Christian family and that knowledge of Jesus walking with you through the days ahead will be the sustaining grace you will need to get through these days. God bless you all and remember Jesus loves you. In Christ Love Hester Hogan

  20. Carin McClung, United States says

    DeDe so sorry to hear of your father's passing.

  21. Tammy Medley Collier, Lake City, AR 72437 says

    Dear All, So Sorry for your loss. Remember the good times. Cry, Laugh, tell stories, and start all over again. Theo will be greatly missed.

  22. Alison Cradduck, Paragould, Ar says

    Paula,I know how much you loved your daddy, and from what you've said, he must have been a remarkable man. I hope that knowing how special he was will be a comfort to you.

  23. Anita Cunningham and family, Trumann says

    Our love and prayers are with you all!!!

Sign Guest Book