Christopher James “Chris” Austin, 33, of Purdy, Mo., passed away on April 25, 2026, due to natural causes. 

He was born April 20, 1993, in Springfield, Mo., the son of James Austin and Jacqueline McCord.

Survivors include his son, Christopher Malakai Austin of Republic, Mo.; mother, Jacqueline McCord of Purdy; father, James Austin of Republic; older brother, Michael Austin of Exeter, Mo.; older sister, Courtney Austin of Memphis, Tenn.; younger brothers, Jeffrey Austin of Springfield, Mo. and Dathan Austin of Republic, and younger sisters, Opal Austin and Rhealynn Austin of Republic; his grandmother, Rose (Hancock) Cooper of Purdy; nana, Carol Porter of Germantown, Tenn., and grandfather, James Austin Sr. of Memphis, in addition to nieces and nephews, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Preceding him in death was his grandpa, Elmer “Shorty” Hancock, with whom he spent many a day fishing and enjoying the outdoors with.

He grew up and attended school in Purdy. He was an incredibly devoted father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He worked as a mechanic in his adult life

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 were held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Chris’s childhood church of Longview Methodist Church in Purdy, Mo. Reverend Mark Moller, Chris’s uncle, conducted the services. A private burial will be held at Log Church Memorial Gardens in Butterfield, Mo. 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.