Merlin "Swede" AustinPreston, Idaho - Merlin "Swede" Austin, 88, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at the Specialty Hospital in North Logan, Utah. He was born on June 30, 1925 in Preston, Idaho to William John and Ida Kaziah Cole Austin. He married Donna Elizabeth Parry on Jan. 22, 1951 in Elko, Nevada. Together they had five children. Merlin served stateside in the US Army during WWII. After being discharged he was employed by Wansgards as an installer where he worked for over 40 years. He is survived by his son Neil Austin, of Virginia; his daughters Vicky (Gary) Kaae, of Logan, Utah; Bonnie Austin, of Preston; Mary (Joe) Carriedo, of Preston; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and a son Bret Austin. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at 12 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, in Preston, Idaho. A viewing will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home and Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com