Austin Chad Kirkman

Austin Chad Kirkman, 25, of Rockwell, NC passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 in New London, NC .

Austin was born September 16, 1999, in Forsyth County, NC to Traci Crater Stephens and the late Chad Kirkman. He was a graduate of East Rowan High School, Cape Fear Community College and UNC-Charlotte William States Lee College of Engineering (Cum Laude) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, loved everything to do with math, and had a very promising future! Austin had worked as an Engineer for Tower Engineering Professionals. He earned his Eagle Scout rank with Troop 350 in Rockwell, NC.

Austin was known to many for his kind and gentle heart and love & loyalty to his family and friends. He was an amazing baby/boy/young man with the sweetest shy smile, the best hugs ever, an Eagle Scout, a consistent Honors Student, an accomplished Spelling Bee winner several times over, lover of John-boating and fishing enthusiast, entrepreneur, Boxer dog lover, and from a very young age had a mind like a machine always processing (and explaining to all us laymen!) the how's of mechanics of anything that moved. His first email address was “austinlikesmotors”. Austin truly enjoyed hunting, especially with his dad and his best friend, Landon Carico. He also loved spending time with family and his precious boxers, Baxter & Zeus, volunteering for Carolina Boxer Rescue and tinkering with electronics and tools (he could fix ANYTHING!).

Austin was preceded in death by his dad, Chad. Austin is survived by his mother Traci Crater Stephens and Stepdad Robert Michael Stephens. In addition, Grandparents Gray & Pat Crater of Newport, NC; Dave & Lynne Borden of Supply, NC; Dennis & Ann Kirkman of Lexington, NC and Ann Stephens of San Antonio, TX; Aunts & Uncles - Karen & Phillip Goodyear, Lori & Jay Wood, David Gray Crater, Diana (Aaron) Krejci, Linda Starnes, Russel (Katie) Borden, Laura (Tim) Gossett, Hayley (Chad) Clothier; Cousins - Brock (Rebekah) Goodyear, Samantha (Ryan) McIntire, Jason Wood, Jazmine Wood, Nora Goodyear, Shane Starnes, Brent (Casey) Starnes, Dylan Starnes, Brenna Krejci, Ryan Krejci, Zack (Amy) Randolph, Hayley (David) Bishop, Aubrey (Justin) Carroll, Jenna (Dustin) Nickel, Riley Clothier.

The family will greet friends and relatives on Saturday, June 28, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Powles Staton Funeral Home, Rockwell, NC.

The celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the Powles Staton Funeral Home, Rockwell, NC, with Pastor Mike Reavis, officiating.

Burial will take place in the West Lawn Memorial Park immediately following .

Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America (specifically Gold Rush District, which serves Rowan Co) or the Carolina Boxer Rescue, in memory of Austin.

Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, is assisting the Stephens and Kirkman families. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.