Austin Thomas Wilder; son, brother, friend was born on Aug. 27, 1988 in Houston and died on Sept. 27, 2011 in St. James, Mo.

Austin graduated, with honors, in 2007 from Bellville High School. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he enjoyed filming girls’ volleyball for the university’s live sports station. He was currently taking classes at East Central College in Rolla, Mo. while working full-time for Tacony Manufacturing. He was a dedicated and well-loved employee who amazed everyone with his brilliant mind, knowledge of mechanics, and dry wit. He was unabashedly conservative (he joined Young Conservatives of Texas while at UT) and Christian, and was more than eager to engage in discussions on politics or religion.

From an early age, Austin was fascinated by anything mechanical, especially vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and small appliances. His family encouraged his hobby, and he soon became an avid collector of a variety of household appliances and proudly posted many of his videos on YouTube. He traveled around the country to meet with his fellow hobbyists to view their collections and discuss the mechanical aspects of their machines.

We will always be grateful to his friends and mentors, Tom Gasko and Nancy Montgomery, who saw his unlimited potential, took a leap of faith, and hired him at Tacony Manufacturing.  His future was set in design and engineering, and he truly loved his job and the people that he worked with.  On his newly created Google Profile page Austin wrote, “I am one of the people who works in their true field of interest.  I’ve been fascinated by the mechanical design of household appliances for more than 20 years.”

Austin is survived by his parents, Tom and Venus and sister Hayley; grandmothers Rita and Ann, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind his many friends at Tacony and friends around the world who shared his passion for the mechanics of appliances.

A celebration of Austin’s life was held on Sept. 30, 2011 at Wilson Mortuary in Salem, Mo.

Your spirit has been set free Son, and we have great joy knowing that it is soaring limitless to unimaginable heights! Know that our love for you has and always will be unconditional and without bounds.  You will be eternally in our hearts as we will be in yours.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.”  EPH 6:10

In remembrance of Austin, please consider making a financial contribution, donation of supplies, or volunteering your time at your local animal shelter.