Christopher James “Chris” Austin, age 33, of Purdy, Missouri
Christopher James “Chris” Austin, age 33, of Purdy, Missouri, left this earth for his heavenly reward on April 25, 2026, due to natural causes. He passed away at home with his boots off.
He was born April 20, 1993, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of James Austin and Jacqueline McCord.
Chris grew up and attended school in Purdy. He was a kind, gentle, and simple man whose greatest pleasures usually involved spending time outdoors and at his brother’s farm with his son, niece, and nephews. In Chris’s words, “I'm a man of God. I love to be a dad, work, hunt and fish. Respect and honesty go a long way.”
He was an incredibly devoted father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Fiercely protective of his son and family, he made sure those he loved were always cared for above all else. Chris had a heart of gold and was always looking for ways to help others, often in quiet, unseen ways. He gave generously of himself and never expected anything in return. He worked as a mechanic in his adult life, and in his free time, he could usually be found mowing lawns and assisting his elderly relatives and neighbors in thoughtful ways. Chris will be desperately missed by all those who knew and loved him. While his passing leaves a deep hurt in our family, we know his suffering is now past and he has a new suit of heavenly garments and is at peace with his Father and Lord Savior, Jesus Christ.
Surviving are his son, Christopher Malakai Austin of Republic, Missouri, whose father’s love knew no bounds; mother, Jacqueline McCord of Purdy; father, James Austin of Republic; older brother, Michael Austin of Exeter, Missouri; older sister, Courtney Austin of Memphis, Tennessee; younger brothers, Jeffrey Austin of Springfield, Missouri and Dathan Austin of Republic, and younger sisters, Opal Austin and Rhealynn Austin of Republic. Also surviving are his grandmother, Rose (Hancock) Cooper of Purdy; nana, Carol Porter of Germantown, Tennessee, and grandfather, James Austin Sr. of Memphis, in addition to nieces and nephews, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Chris was proceeded in death and welcomed home by one of the most cherished men in his life, his grandpa, Elmer “Shorty” Hancock, with whom he spent many a day fishing and enjoying the outdoors with, and who was a beloved mentor to Chris during his childhood.
The family wishes to extend their most sincere gratitude and thanks to the outpouring of support from the community during this time of heartbreak. The love received has been overwhelming and greatly humbling.
Family and friends are warmly invited to join us for a celebration of life. All those who attend are encouraged to wear their boots in honor of Chris.
Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Chris’s childhood church of Longview Methodist Church in Purdy, Missouri. Reverend Mark Moller, Chris’s uncle, will conduct the services. A private burial will be held at Log Church Memorial Gardens in Butterfield, Missouri. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the kindness and generosity Chris showed throughout his life, our family has established a GoFundMe account. Donations will go toward immediate funeral and burial expenses. Any additional funds will be placed into a trust for his nine year old son, Christopher Malakai Austin, so we can continue to ensure he is cared for in the way his father would have wanted.
Boots off now, Chris. May your eternal rest be of peace. We love you so much.
