Austin Lee VanOster, 21, of Rayville, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, as a result of an automobile accident.

Austin was born on Oct. 23, 1998, in North Kansas City, the son of Eric VanOster of Rayville and Rhonda (Maharg) Rowlison of Richmond.

Additional survivors include: step-dad, Gary Rowlison of Richmond; paternal grandparents, Lee Roy and Carline VanOster of Richmond; maternal grandparents, Alvin and Janice Maharg of Odessa; step-grandmother, Donna Rowlison of Edina, Missouri; sisters, Hayley VanOster of Richmond and Anna and her husband Joseph Cummings of Kirksville; nephews, Eli Cummings and Lincoln Cummings; uncle and aunt, James VanOster and Cindy Stunkel-VanOster of Kearney, uncle and aunt, Shawn and Shelly VanOster, Wellston, Oklahoma; cousins, Jacob VanOster and Jessie VanOster, Wellston; step-aunt and uncle, Angela and James Justice, Edina; step-aunt, Nadon Hayes of Hurdland; and various great-aunts, uncles, and cousins in Kansas, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Austin was reared and educated in the Rayville area and was a 2017 graduate of Polo High School. He played football for Polo High as a center and was a member of the FFA. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Austin loved to act silly and everyone that met him loved him. Austin will be greatly missed by all.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Remember to share memories of Austin with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.