Austin James Barner passed away at his home in HersheySeptember 8, 2026. He was 19. He was the son of Dustin Barner and Julia (Fischer) Musser of North Platte.

Austin was born in North Platte July 17, 2007. He attended Hershey Public Schools through 8th grade. He then attended North Platte High School his freshman year and later finished his schooling online, graduating in 2024.

Austin came into this world with a purpose, to bring truth and light. He lived each day of his life with that intention, and each day he brightened the lives of those who knew and loved him. Austin was a leader and a teacher; he was wise beyond his years, even as a small child. He was his mother’s rock and his family’s protector, and he led them on what he believed to be the path of righteousness. He cared for those he surrounded himself with and was insistent that we love ourselves in all ways. He considered the body to be a temple that housed our spirit within, which is why he vehemently practiced self-care in the purity of the foods he consumed and the regiment of exercise he so meticulously structured. Austin valued honesty, integrity and forgiveness, and he wanted to share his message of love with the world. He was profound beyond words and loved to share his thoughts with the world. On his birthday before his passing, hewrote a musing he proudly delivered to a few and wanted to share with the world.

“Just as if the whole world was a consistently even plain at the height of Mt. Everest, or at the depth of the Mariana Trench, there would either way be no height and no depth and as Mt.Everest would not be as tall if not for the Mariana Trench to compare and the Mariana Trench not so deep without Mt. Everest’s height, it is tragedy and evil that do not defy, but define love and good.” - Austin J. Barner

Austin was a beloved father, son, soulmate, and friend. His earthly absence leaves a huge void in the hearts of those that knew and loved him, but his spirit remains. He is not gone, he will never be forgotten, and we will meet again. Until then, be free, precious spirit, and fly high.

Austin was preceded in death by his grandmother Irene Fischer,and great grandparents Melvin Barner and Stan and Bernice Maline.

He is survived by his daughter, Xakoda Barner, and girlfriend Kailey Velasquez; parents, Julia (Mitch) Musser of Maxwell and Dusty (Stephanie) Barner or North Platte. Siblings Hanna Barner (Matthew Robinson) of North Platte; Peyton (Molly) Barner of Tryon; Gentry (Kyle) Etl of Iliff, CO; McKenzie, Jasper and Eli Heil, all of North Platte; Anakin (Kendra) Hughes, of St. Joseph, MO; Gage (Brosia) Musser and Payge Musser (Scott Baumbach) of North Platte. Grandparents Tony and LuAnne Barner of Wallace and Dyall Fischer of Sutherland. As well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of Austin’s life on Saturday September 19th, 6-9pm at the North Platte Cowboy Church.