Thomas "Bud" Austell Jr . was born on October 30, 1945 in Sikeston, Missouri to Mr. Thomas Austell Sr. and Ophelia E. Austell. He was the second oldest of eight children. In March of 1950, the family moved to East St. Louis, Illinois.

Thomas graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School in East St. Louis, Illinois. After graduating from high school he continued his training and education at McDonnell-Douglass Aircraft (now known as Boeing). He was assigned to the SMAR (Sheet Metal/Assembler and Riveter Division of the Company). With his skills, fast learning, strong-will, and knowledge, he was always valued as an asset to the company. With his knowledge, resources and power driven determination to excel, he was often requested to resolve difficult tasks for others. After many years in production he was promoted to a leadership position. He was assigned to supervision overseeing production of F-15 AND C-17 Aircraft.

Thomas affectionately called "Bud" expired Monday, December 31, 2018 in the presence of loved ones. He was preceded in death by his father (Thomas Sr.) mother (Ophelia E.) grandmother (Sarah Evans) sister (Shirley Jean) niece (Trina) grandniece (Tracie Patterson) and brother (Sammie).

Thomas leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Ruby Austell; his children, Neil A. Austell, Tyra Austell-Jones (Lamont), Tre'va Austell and Turyon Austell;  grandchildren, Domineek, Neil Jr., Lyndonn, Tymani, Pierre,  Tre'vad, Tryniti, Turyan Jr., Cheyenne and Tianna Austell;  great grandchildren, Myron Quinn and Major Alfred;  sisters, Leevellar Austell-Black(Harrison) and Anntonie Patterson(William);  brothers, Alfred A. Austell(Janet "Nita"), Jerry Austell(Carmen) and Larry Austell;  nieces and nephews Letitia Clemons, Cynthia Grisby, Betina Echols, Tracie Patterson, Kekelia Black-Arnold, William Patterson Jr., Brian Black, LeRae Patterson, Alfred Austell Jr., Andre Austell, Andrew Austell, and Behanzin Austell;  grandnieces and nephews, Shayla, Brianne, Cheyenne Noel, Ayzena, Shania, Arvon, II, Julius, Christopher, Demetrius, Aaron, Kyle, Brendan, Cameron, Frederick, Xavier, Adriel, Leevellar and Pharoah Austell;  great-grand nieces and nephews, Aiyana Welch, Julius Thompson, Demetrius, Stacey and Frederick Patterson, LaRae, Tracie and Xavier Patterson.