Memorial Service Set for Levi Masalin, James Austin

Memorial service and funeral arrangements have been completed for Levi James Masalin, 15, of Ledyard, and his cousin, Senior Airman James F. Austin, 22, of Minot (ND) Air Force Base and formerly of Ashaway, RI. The two cousins were killed Sunday, May 22, in a motorcycle crash on Route 184 in Stonington.

Calling hours for both young men are from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2011, at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly, RI.

There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, at the Wheeler High School Gymnatorium, 298 Norwich Westerly Road, North Stonington. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in North Stonington.

Levi Masalin was born on May 12, 1996, the son of Steven and Elizabeth (Chappell) Masalin of 24 Maple Terrace. Steven Masalin is Director of Public Works for Ledyard.

In his obituary, Levi was remembered by his family in this way:

“Levi was full of life with many talents, and he stepped out with a passion that occupied the full measure of days allotted to him by the Lord. He was very warm and outgoing and was known as an encouraging and loyal friend. Levi deeply touched many lives. His aim was always to make others smile and lift them up. He will be greatly missed by his family especially, and by so many others.”

Levi is survived by his parents and three older siblings, David, Alisa and Hillary, as well as grandparents Charles and Cynthia Masalin and maternal grandmother Alberta Chappell.

James Austin was born on Jan. 21, 1989, the son of Mark and Alice Ruth (Chappell) Austin of Ashaway, RI. James grew up in Ashaway, but spent much of his time in North Stonington, where his grandfather, the late James A. Chappell was pastor of North Stonington Bible Church.

Like Levi, James was homeschooled. He joined the U.S. Air Force in October 2007, graduating fifth in his class at the Air Force Security Forces School at Lackland Air Force Base in March of 2008. He was then stationed at Minot Air Force, attaining the rank of Senior Airman.

His obituary recalls that James was a vital part of the church and spent many days serving there.

“He demonstrated a servant's heart and the gifts of encouragement and helps. James always embraced each person and showed them love whether he had known them for years or just met them. His love for others always shone through his smile.”

James is survived by his parents and three sisters, Amanda, Tiffany and Bethany, as well as grandparents Patricia Eckels of Gardner, MA., James E. D. Austin of Washington, and maternal grandmother Alberta Chappell.

Both Levi and James are also survived by many uncles, aunts and many loving cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Stonington Bible Church "Building Fund," PO Box 28, North Stonington CT 06359.