Isaac P. Austin Sr. was born on May 10, 1933, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of 10 children born to the union of Joseph Austin and Viola Randolph Austin. Ike was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Viola, and 8 siblings. Ike attended Attucks grade and high school in Ponca City, where he was active in sports & many extra-curricular activities. He earned degrees in construction technology, engineering and electronics. Ike was a chef serving in the United States Army, with a rank of a Corporal during the Korean War. Ike attended Pilgrim Temple CME Church in East St. Louis, IL.

Ike moved to East St. Louis in 1954 following the steps of his uncle Homer Randolph joining him in entrepreneurship in sales and repair of television, radio, and appliances. Early in his entrepreneurship, Ike and his wife, Madge, became restaurateurs, owning and operating 'Bond Avenue Cafe' where they were especially famous for their hamburgers. Ike later became a respected businessman on his own when focused his efforts as a building contractor where he specialized in new home building, commercial repair, rehabilitation and concrete flatwork. He was a well-known minority contractor in the metro east area for the work he did and opportunities he provided others in construction.

Ike was united in Holy Matrimony in 1953 to Madge V. Wallace of Winfield, Kansas. Ike and Madge enjoyed traveling together and as time went on, they would take pleasure in including their children and grandchildren on their many trips around the world. Ike and Madge were devoted attendees to the Kentucky Derby for over 30 years. Ike and Madge bore two sons, Isaac P. Jr. & Michael. Ike affectionately known as "Chief" was an avid Oklahoma Sooners football fan. He took on a passion for aviation and learned to fly jets. Ike would charter private jets with his wife and sons back to their hometowns in Oklahoma and Kansas, with him in the pilot seat of course. Quiet, yet outspoken, Ike enjoyed being in the company of family and friends.

Ike is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Madge V. Austin; devoted sons Isaac P. Austin Jr. and Michael T. Austin; loving grandchildren Arika, Isaac II, Ashi, Duan, Michael, Alan, Samoria, Adam, and Micah; adoring great grandchildren Milahn and Elle; and beautiful sister Janie Rucker. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces and nephews.