Hon. Richard W. Austin

Hon. Richard (Bill) W. Austin, age 94, of Orland Park, Illinois and longtime resident of Flossmoor, Illinois. Born January 23, 1931, in Harvey, Illinois to the late Hon. Richard Bevan Austin & Louise (née Crew) Austin. Beloved husband of 67 years to the late Susan (née Stewart) Austin.  Loving father to Mark (Monique), Bryan (Kathy), Doug, and Tom (Beth).  Beloved grandfather to Missy (Karl), Chris, Bryan, Will (Jen), Aly (Billy), Katie (Jake), James, and Meg.  Great grandfather to Cole, Harrison, Gavin, Austin, Declyn, Amery, and Benjamin.  Cherished brother to David (Mary) Austin and the late Robert (Lois) Austin.  Loved by many nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1948, Denison University in 1952, and Northwestern University School of Law in 1955. Upon receiving his Juris Doctorate, Bill married the love of his life, Susan, and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1955 – 1957.

In 1957, Bill began his tremendous career as a practicing attorney.  Following his time in the Army, Bill joined the law firm of Winston & Strawn where he practiced as a commercial and antitrust litigator from 1957 – 1993. Bill later joined the law firm of Pretzel & Stouffer in 1993 until he opened his own practice in 2000.  During his career, Bill appeared in federal courts across the country and participated in four cases reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

During his active years of practice, Bill served as President of the Chicago Bar Association from 1979 – 1980, President of the American Bar Foundation from 1982 – 1984, Chairman of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education from 1986 – 1987, President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents from 1988 – 1989, and Chairman of the District Admissions Committee for the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois from 1982 – 2001. He also served as a lecturer and author at the Northwestern University School of Law Corporate Counsel Institute.

In 2001, on recommendation by Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Bill as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge to the Sixth Subcircuit, which he held until his retirement in December of 2002.  In its appointment, the Illinois Supreme Court recognized Bill as "one of Chicago's most respected lawyers."

Upon his retirement, Bill and Susan moved from their home in Flossmoor to Rio Verde, Arizona. They enjoyed 14 years in Arizona where Bill served as President of the Rio Verde Country Club from 2006 – 2008.  An avid golfer, Bill played many courses traveling near and far to enjoy his favorite sport.  Bill was lucky enough to have played some of the most famous golf courses in the world including St. Andrews Links, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Oakmont Country Club, Augusta National Golf Club, and his beloved Olympia Fields Country Club where he was a member for over 60 years.  Bill remained a faithful member of the Episcopal Church, serving many roles in all the congregations where he held membership. Bill will be memorialized on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist, 2640 Park Drive, Flossmoor, Illinois.