August Michael Acres was one of those rare people who left a little bit of himself with everyone he met. A brilliant mind, a big heart, and a personality that could light up any room, August was a remarkable young man who brought his family together and made the world around him a little brighter. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made on the people who knew and loved him will last a lifetime.

August was an autodidact in every sense of the word, endlessly curious and gifted with a mind that never stopped learning. If he wanted to know how to do something, he figured it out. He taught himself to play piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, and baritone, and was a talented self-taught artist who loved to draw. He had a passion for music, especially classic rock, 90s rock, and country, and never passed up an opportunity to express himself creatively.

There were plenty of things that made August uniquely August. He loved his collection of cowboy boots and hats, animals of absolutely every kind, and, of course, the color pink. His love for pink was especially meaningful, as it was inspired by his Aunt Shannon. He was also a proud car enthusiast who seemed capable of working on just about anything with an engine. August was part of the ASE Auto Tech Mechanic Program at Ozarks Technical Community College, where he was building the skills he hoped to carry with him into the Army National Guard. His dream was to serve as an Army mechanic. He took great pride in owning a manual transmission and refused to drive an automatic. He was especially proud of his Chrysler Sebring.

But more than his talents, hobbies, or accomplishments, what truly made August special was his heart. He wanted to be the kind of friend to others that he had needed when he was younger, and he didn’t just meet that goal; he exceeded it. August never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and make people feel welcome. Even animals seemed to recognize the goodness in him. Their pet snakes, for example, had no problem letting August give them kisses right on the head! He had a way of connecting with others that was genuine, effortless, and unforgettable.

Above all, August loved his people. He was the glue that rooted his family together, and being surrounded by those he loved meant everything to him. He was engaged to the love of his life, Mackaylah Whitis, and adored her and her daughter more than anything. He was also involved in Choir, JROTC, and Orchestra, at different points along the way, and was a proud member of the Hillcrest Hornets graduating class of 2028.

August was preceded in death by his beloved Aunt Shannon, who gave him his love for the color pink with her courageous battle with breast cancer; his Grandpa Tim; his great-grandparents, Pat, Bob, and Irene; and his cousins, Robert, Luke, and David.

He leaves behind his father, Michael (Andi); his mother, Jennie (Brandon); his siblings, River, Jenna, Landon, and Finn; his fiancée, Mackaylah Whitis, and her daughter Carli August; his Grandma, Nana, and Papa; along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

August’s story deserves to be celebrated just as boldly and uniquely as he lived it. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. The family chose this date because, as they know, August would have thought it was absolutely epic. They invite his many friends, family members, classmates, and everyone whose life he touched to come together, share stories, remember the laughter, and celebrate an extraordinary young man who was loved beyond measure.

Though August’s journey was much too short, he packed an incredible amount of life, love, laughter, music, and friendship into his 17 years. He will forever be remembered for his brilliant mind, his fearless individuality, his kind heart, and the way he made people feel like they belonged. The world was better with August in it, and his light will continue to shine through everyone who carries a piece of him forward.