Austin Cameron Bruce's Obituary
Austin Cameron Bruce passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2025 at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 32.
Austin was born September 17, 1992 in Carrollton, Texas, to parents Robert and Kelly (Murphy) Bruce. No baby boy was ever more loved or wanted. He was an immediate family favorite and was given nicknames like "Tweety" and "Austin from Dallas". His mother called him "Manny". His brother, Riley, arrived less than 2 years later, completing the family and ushering in golden times for the Bruces. The family migrated north to Columbia, Missouri, where they lived for a number of years before settling back home near family in western Putnam County.
Austin had a very happy childhood, and enjoyed playing with his brother and his cousin, Morgen Murphy, who was like a second brother. He liked fishing, video games, riding the family go cart and learning Taekwondo. He loved his dog, Chelsea. He spent several years in Boy Scouts. Austin was blessed with a love of learning and was a voracious reader. From a young age, he was exceptionally curious about a multitude of subjects. As a youth, he won spelling bees and taught himself to play guitar. Austin accepted Christ as a youth, and the family rests in the assurance that they will see him again.
He graduated from Putnam County High School in 2011 and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish and International Studies from the University of Missouri. He married his college sweetheart, Xiaotong Lu (Lulu), on June 16, 2016 in Linyi City, China. The pair lived in China for a year before returning to the States. Austin loved the Chinese people and culture.
Austin had a stellar work ethic, landing his first job working for the NEMR Help Desk during his high school years. While still in college he began working for the Columbia office of a U.S. Congresswoman. He found great satisfaction in helping constituents, especially veterans, with problem resolution. After college he worked for Burrell Behavioral Health in Columbia as a case worker and later taught English as a second language online for many years, befriending several of his clients with whom he maintained regular contact. Upon moving to Kansas City, Austin eventually switched career paths and began working for Fowler, Pickert, Eisenmenger, Norfleet as a Legal Assistant.
Austin was blessed with a great sense of empathy. He advocated for anyone marginalized by society and wanted the best for his fellow man. He had a heart of gold and not a mean bone in his body. He was a passionate debater but would listen to opposing viewpoints with genuine interest. He was very informed about current events and enjoyed lively discussions pertaining to whatever was going on in the world at any given time.
The Bruce family loved to travel, both domestically and abroad, and it is a love Austin carried into adulthood. Together the family hiked, snorkeled and parasailed at some of the most beautiful locations in the world. Austin embraced the opportunity to experience different cultures. His last trip was a solo journey to South Korea and China in 2024. He was an adventurer and particularly enjoyed exotic culinary experiences when abroad.
Austin loved animals, but none more than his rescued white Lab, Bruce. Their relationship and bond was evident to any and all who saw them together. Bruce comforts Austin's family now.
Austin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Bill and Barbara Bruce, his maternal grandfather Richard Murphy, Aunt Kristi Murphy, Uncles Kent Murphy and William Bruce, Jr., and cousin Jake Hollon. Left to mourn his passing are his wife "Lulu", parents, brother Riley, Grandmother Kathy Murphy and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at the Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by services at 2:00 p.m. The family requests donations to the Jake Hollon Memorial Scholarship in lieu of flowers and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Bruce Family, 709 S. 27th St. Unionville, MO 63565. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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