Austin Lee Schiller

Austin Lee Schiller was born on November 6, 1993, in Galveston, Texas, the son of Mark and Venetia (Kunkel) Schiller. He passed away on October 7, 2025, in Ithaca, New York, at the age of 31. He was a vibrant soul whose presence touched many lives. Austin attended high school in Bellville, TX, and graduated in 2012, where he cultivated his diverse interests and passions.

In Jr High and High school, Austin was actively involved in the Civil Air Patrol and Boy Scouts, where he demonstrated leadership and a love for the outdoors. His passions extended beyond these organizations; he loved playing football and baseball, loved fishing and surfing. Sargent, Texas, was one of his favorite places. He was an enthusiastic gamer and also enjoyed spending time with creative pursuits in art, drawing, and music. Austin never met a stranger and never ran out of conversation. Austin was very much loved by family and friends.

Austin was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Phillipsburg, solidifying his connection to his faith and community. Austin's life is celebrated by his loving parents, Mark and Venetia Schiller, who reside in Bellville, Texas, as well as his sisters, Jenna Schiller of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Erica King of Texas City, Texas, and Shawnee Vaught of Midland, Tx. His legacy continues through his 2 beautiful children of Pine City, New York: Gracelynn Comfort and Jaxson Comfort. He is also survived by his birth mother, Mary Black Akers, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Austin was predeceased by those he cherished, including his grandmother, Joe Ann Gault; grandparents Aldon and Bernice Schiller; grandparents Rudy and Ramona Kunkel; brother Stephen Lee Lundell; and cousin Alyssa Lamp. He is also preceded in death by his birth father, Gary Vaught. Austin's life will be forever remembered by all of his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2739 Phillipsburg Church Rd. in Brenham, TX 77833, followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Donna Zipp officiating. Interment will be in the Phillipsburg Lutheran Cemetery. The community is invited to join in remembering and honoring Austin's remarkable life, a life filled with adventure, love, and unfaltering spirit.

Pallbearers are Kyle Kunkel, Keith Kunkel, Johnny Kunkel, Mark Lamp, Ethan Kunkel, and Curtis Koehn. Honorary pallbearers are Tracy Schiller and Terry Kunkel.

Memorials may be made to St Paul Phillipsburg Lutheran Church at 2739 Phillipsburg Church Rd, Brenham, Texas 77833 or to the charity or foundation of your choice.