MIDDLETOWN - Lee Austin, affectionately known to many as "Mr. A", of Middletown, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at Christiana Hospital in Newark. Born on Jan. 23, 1933, in Rutherford, N.C., he was the son of the late Flint and Lizzie (Honeycutt) Austin. Raised in Marion, N.C., he attended and graduated from McDowell High School. Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Lee retired from Atlantic Aviation in Wilmington, where he devoted 17 years of dedicated service as an aircraft mechanic. He was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards often with close friends. He will be greatly missed by many. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #3792 in Middletown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Joanetta, in 1997; and two sons, William C. and Howard Austin. Lee leaves many wonderful memories to his two sons, David and Tim Austin; two sisters, Dot Frazier and Thelma Trent; five grandchildren; a lifelong friend and dear companion of 10 years, Alice Coventry; and many dear friends. Committal services will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear. Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, Middletown. Online condolences may be sent to www.daniels-hutchison.com