Austin Garret Chinn, age 42 years, of Kansas City, Mo., a former Jefferson City resident passed away Friday, May 8, 2020 at his home after a two year struggle with toxic mold syndrome.
Austin was born on August 17, 1977 in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Bruce and Kathy (Maiden) Chinn.
Austin was a 1995 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He furthered his education at Linn State Technical College for three years receiving two Associates degrees in computer technology and electrical engineering.
Shortly after his education, Austin began his employment at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, Mo. with their Power Plant Division as an electrical control specialist and was extremely dedicated to his job for the past 20 years. It was the ideal fit for Austin because he prided himself on his hard work and ability to fix problems with his critical thinking and computer skills. He loved working with CAD drawings to perfect any project. He cherished time being around his co-workers, especially their employee pot luck dinners where he was known for his gumbo.
He was a pet lover, especially being around the family dogs, and volunteered his time at the Kansas City Zoo.
Austin loved to keep his mind and hands busy. In his free time, he enjoyed reading and tinkering on small machines, especially pin ball machines. He had a love for the outdoors and always cherished time on the Chinn family farm in Clarence, Mo. His dream has always been to retire to a rustic log cabin that he designed in the woods. When he was younger, he enjoyed fishing with his Grandma Maiden. Recently, he has spent a lot of time in his herb and salsa garden and playing fantasy football with friends.
Austin will always be known for his big heart, giving nature and approachable demeanor. He greeted all with a smile and was willing to do anything he could for others. You could hear his laughter from across the room.
Survivors include: his parents, Bruce and Kathy Chinn of Jefferson City, Mo.; two siblings, Kara Chinn of Kansas City, Mo. and Tyler Chinn of Jefferson City, Mo.; two aunts, Paula Gerling (husband Bill) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Shelley Ducker (husband Steve) of Bentonville, Ark.; one uncle, Wayne Chinn (wife Janet) of Jefferson City, Mo.; his cousins, Robert McCurren IV (wife Samantha), Robyn Freeman (husband Don), Nikolas McCurren, Bryan Chinn (wife Gina), Matt Chinn, Jennifer Cornelison, Missy Hall, Michael Simmons, Anne Duncan (husband Travis), Leighann Bailie (husband Bobby) and Lindsay Rains (husband Shawn); and his beloved cat, Scarlet.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Loretta Chinn; his maternal grandparents, David and Sue Maiden; one aunt, Laura Lee Hamilton; one uncle, Clarence Maiden; and cousin, Heather Simmons.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private memorial service will be conducted in the Freeman Chapel on Friday, May 15, 2020 with Mr. Rick Yoder officiating.
A webcast of the memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2020 for friends to view by going to the "photos and videos" tab on this memorial page and scrolling down to the webstreaming link. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave online condolences to be given to his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Center for Research on Biotoxin-Associated Illnesses (CRBAI), 500 Market Street, Suite 103, Pocomoke City, MD 21851 or by giving online at this memorial fund for CRBAI: https://www.gofundme.com/f/austin-chinn039s-memorial-for-toxic-mold-research?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.