Aaron Jiunn-Yeu Chen, 29 of Amarillo, Texas was called to his heavenly home on October 27, 2022, in Amarillo, Texas. Aaron was born on September 23, 1993, in Carrollton, Texas to Yea Chung Chen and Heidi Chen.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Lighthouse Chapel, 3707 Wolflin Ave. Amarillo, Texas 79102.
Public viewing and visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
He loved playing musical instruments and often was found playing piano, violin, and guitar. He enjoyed country music, especially listening to Kenny Rogers, James Taylor, and Willie Nelson. His hobbies were growing and caring for palm trees and cactus succulents. He loved traveling, hiking, learning, and teaching.
Aaron majored in Molecular and Cellular Biology and graduated with a grade point average of 99.98 from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also studied at the School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. When he was younger, he attended May Watts Elementary School, and Thayer J. Hill Middle School, and graduated from Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois.
He worked as a Teaching Assistant of Biology and Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. From 2020 until the present, he was a Resident Physician of Texas Tech Physicians and Clinics.
Aaron is survived by his parents, Yea Chung Chen and Heidi Chen.
“I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.”
Our deepest condolences. He will be missed by his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend. Mr. Gregory Martinez.
He was very kind, smart, and hard working. He will be missed greatly.
Dr. Chen was a wonderful resident, he was incredibly influential in my decision to pursue family medicine here in Amarillo and I will forever be greatful that he took the time to talk to me, teach me, and get to know me. He will dearly be missed.
Aaron was a fantastic student and resident with us on the pediatric service. He had a bright future ahead of him. My condolences to his family and friends.
A Dr that actually cared, you will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to Dr. Chen’s family and friends.
I’m a patient and he was such a comforting and knowledgeable care giver. What a bright light he was in this world. I will miss him.
Aaron was one of the kindest sweetest physicians that I’ve worked with at Tech. He understood how challenging medicine is and always supported his colleagues and friends no matter what. That kindness and empathy that he had had an impact on many students and will forever be part of his legacy. Aaron will be remembered as a wonderful person and physician and greatly missed.
As a 3rd year medical student coming into her first rotation of the year two years ago, I was beyond nervous but Aaron took the time that first day to reassure me that not only would everything be okay and that I would do well, but that he would be there beside me every step of the way.
From that moment on, Aaron – with his kind smile, infectious laugh and quick wit – became the person I would go to for advice regarding my rotations and later my residency.
He was an amazing physician but more importantly, a wonderful human being and I will miss him greatly.
Forever my Intern of the Year. Love you Aaron.
I remember when I lived at the Edge MS1 year, so did Aaron. He lived across from me for a year and I thought he was so sweet and smart. I didn’t end up talking to him much, but then I ran into him again in Amarillo several years later where I worked with him regularly on multiple hospital rotations and got to know him a lot better, where we became friends.
Aaron was kind. When he spoke, you knew it mattered. He always tried to flash you a smile. Most of all…he was fantastic with his patients and a phenomenal physician. And he taught me so much.
Love you, Aaron.
I was so sorry to hear that we had lost you. Having known you, I always thought that you were extremely intelligent, and I always got the impression that being so perceptive was sometimes to your detriment.
Who teaches you to be normal when you are exceptional? Who teaches you to fit in when you were made to stand out?
I remember trying to tell you that you just have to be yourself because you’ll never obtain any genuine affirmation trying to be anyone else. That things eventually work out if you let them… but I only believe and practice this half of the time. We all stumble on our way to where we are going.
You were a considerate and sweet person and I still don’t understand why you felt alone every where you went. I genuinely liked you and I’m sorry I stopped telling you that after I left Aaron. I’m happy that you have found peace from suffering and will remember you kindly.
Aaron went out of his way to help his patients and his students alike. Above all else everyone knew him as kind, and we will all miss him for it
Aaron, while we didn’t get to speak to each other much, when we did, it was so clear how thoughtful of a person you were. In the way you spoke about and approached things, you meant what you said. You helped our medical school class when you could, offered encouraging words when they were needed, and all throughout were hurting alone. I hope you and peace have found each other. Your memory, kindness, and compassion live on.
I had the pleasure of working with Aaron at the COVID drive thru, he volunteered there for over 10 weeks and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. We became a family, the corona family – we were able to celebrate his online graduation with him and set up a projector of it at the drive thru. He was such a blessing to me and I am so glad that I did get to know him. He was such an amazing, caring and kind. He will be missed
Just a few months ago I was working with Aaron in the family medicine clinic. I remember we would try to finish patients so he could get Jimmy Johns for lunch on long clinic days. He was a very kind and patient person and physician. My condolences to his family.
I remember working with Dr. Chen just a few months ago in the family medicine clinic. He was always so kind, patient, and willing to listen to his patients. He will be missed by the community. I wish him and his family the best.
Aaron, I’ll never forget our time together in Amarillo during the beginning of COVID. Everything uncertain, our regular round of classmates all dispersed around the country, tucked safely at home. The one certainty we had was seeing you every day. Will never forget being with you every day at that COVID drive through. Good laughs, lots of snacks and memories made. I remember the day you came back as “Aaron Chen MD”. I was fangirling. I was so proud to know you and call you a friend.
I’ll never forget the day that one circulator in the OR thought she’d try and act tough and be mean to you. You handled her with such indifference, so much poise. And I yelled at her because that was me. I was fire and you were just calm rain, always. I was so proud of you for being so kind.
Aaron,
I am so proud to have known you and to have called you my friend. I miss you, but I can still hear your voice. It won’t be forgotten. ❤️
From the little time I spent with him, I could quickly tell he was a joy to be around. Both smart and caring, he had the best qualities of a physician. He made me feel welcome in Amarillo during my first bit of time here and was an excellent teacher along the way. He will be dearly missed by myself and all those around him.
Aaron was as smart as he was kind, and he was a genius. I learned so much from him along our path in medicine.
When I think about Aaron, I remember his eruptive laugh that was sincere and contagious. I had many good experiences with him, and he was an excellent ally through the dark times and challenges of entering medicine in 2020.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. Peace be with you friend.
Aaron was one of the kindest people I have ever met . He put the interests of others before himself, even if he was the one who needed help. Aaron was very smart physician who worked hard to serve his patients until the last day of his life.
I worked with him more than once and saw how he was helping everyone who asked for help without hesitation; Most recently was last week, which was the last time I saw Aaron.
There was a medical student looking for one of the resident’s office. He walked with her and took her to the office. When she thanked him for that, he responded with his usual word “NO PROBLEM”.
I worked with him few months ago during the night shifts. He loved Monster Energy drink especially the Watermelon flavor. There were nights when he seems tired so I joked: Hey Aaron you didn’t drink Monster tonight, and he responds with his unique laugh “I’m waiting for the drink to cool in the fridge” We will miss you as much as we love you.
As so many have already noted, Aaron was an exceptional physician who was especially beloved by his patients for his kindness and his genuine interest and sincerity. All of his physician and healthcare colleagues of all sorts will take many lessons with us from the excellent, thorough care he provided, and the warmth with which it was given. We will dearly miss our wonderful friend and colleague.
I was lucky enough to have Aaron as my buddy throughout most of my clinical rotations our third year of medical school, as well as throughout the onset of the COVID pandemic as volunteers at the testing drive through. Some of my fondest memories of those years are navigating the funny, unexpected, and sometimes awkward parts of learning medicine with Aaron.
He was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. Regardless of how tough or long his days were, he would always take time to check in on how others were doing. He would always surprise me with his quick witted sense of humor and astounded me with his vast knowledge on pretty much any topic. I admired him so much for how hard he worked to complete his MD in 3 years while still finding time to give back to his community. To know Aaron was to love him. The world has truly lost a bright light far too soon with his passing. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.
Aaron you will never be forgotten. I enjoyed working with you and watching you become even more of an amazing doctor every patient you saw. I always enjoyed seeing you.come down the halls with the monster in one had laptop in the other. You had such an contagious smile and no.matrer what you had to deal you kept a positive attitude and made everything good. Peace and prayers be with you Mom and Dad during this difficult time the raised one amazing man. Fly high my friend. 💙
I was a nurse who worked with Dr Chen he was kind and sweet! Loved working with him! His family is in my prayers! Will remember him always!
I was honored to know Aaron, a gentle, quiet spirit. The many tributes left here not only speak to the kind of physician, role model and friend he was, but are a testament to his parents, who sacrificed much and loved him dearly. My heart breaks for you both.
Aaron was an outstanding physician, he maintained a high level of care for his patients and was not just an awesome friend but also a professional colleague who always available for help.
Arron I still remember your laugh and smile when I worked with you during the night.
I was a nurse who worked with Dr Chen he was kind and sweet! Loved working with him! His family is in my prayers! Will remember him always!
Aaron is a rare soul, and the world is better because of him. He was quick to listen and slow to speak. He did not speak often but his words were intentionally chosen and meaningful expressed. His intellect was pure genius, but his character was embellished in humility. I was always in awe of his compassion, kindness, and patience. Not only with his patients, but also as his staff, friends and coresidents. He faced adversity with a calm deminer and was always checking in on those around often saying “Doing okay?”. “Thank you let us know if you need anything”. I saw the distance he would go to help patients in need both near and far. Aaron was a safe person for many of us residents and medical students. And his dedication to taking the best care of his patients possible with the thoroughness they deserved is to be emulated. I have so many memories with Aaron that I will cherish. Including conversations about hiking, music, and plants. I can say all those who had the chance to spend with Aaron were truly blessed in unique ways. He will be deeply missed, and he will live on through all of those he taught and cared for. May his family be comforted and supported for the journey of grief they are on. Our thoughts and prayers with you. And your special son.
Was one of the most brightest and kindest souls out there. Always helping out everyone around him. Praying for his family and loved ones, R.I.P 🕊🙏🏽
When I think of Aaron, I think if a kind, compassionate, and wonderful physician. I can recall a time where he cared for one of my patients in the hospital with a very mysterious case. Aaron got to the bottom of the diagnosis and I have no doubt saved that patient’s life.
I also recall just a few short weeks ago, a patient mentioned how thankful he was that Aaron was his doctor because he was the best and most caring doctor he had ever seen.
Aaron, you will be missed by many!
著實感傷, 祈福禱告, 願
Aaron 我心目中的天使…
在天堂當個快樂天使
愛聽看他彈琴
小時的他 輕鬆隨意應我要求
為我彈一首
總讓我滿足享受陶醉…. 懷念你與家人…還有我們共同的那一段小學國中YouthGroup日子…
Aaron is my angel, his easy going piano pieces always make me appreciate the beauty of music.
Our memory in those YOUTH GROUP growing & sharing years are precious and you will be always remembered.
Love, Auntie Chris – Chou family in Naperville
I met Dr. Chen first during first year orientation. He was nice and always smiling. My deepest condolences to his family.
I made a new ID badge for Dr. Chen a few weeks ago, when he had lost all his credentials. I noticed that he was letting his hair “grow out”. I couldn’t help but tease him that either he needed to get it cut so that he would look like his original headshot, or we would need to take a new picture. He told me that I sounded like his mom. Dr. Chen seemed to be a really cool guy, and I’m sure he will be missed by all who knew him on the HSC Amarillo campus. In what little time I spent with him, I know that I will.
Dr. Chen was a wonderful teacher, resident, and friend. He was the first person I worked with during my family medicine rotation. I was so nervous, but he was amazing and so friendly. Even during a busy clinic day, he took the time to teach me and made sure that I had extra time to go eat lunch each day. He had such a calming presence, and he really made his patients feel heard and reassured. Although he frequently made fun of me for not liking country music, Dr. Chen was the kindest soul. He will be missed
Very sad to hear this news . May God Almighty grant him eternal peace and a special in the Heavens surrounded by lush green garden and fragrant flowers .
May his family be in peace and tranquilty. He was a very good and a kind student of Medicine.
Aaron was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. He was also an exceptional young physician. He made a difference in every person’s life lucky enough to meet him. He will be dearly missed.
My sincerest condolences to his family, Texas Tech family and friends. I absolutely loved working for and with Dr. Chen. He was intelligent, kind, patient, caring and an amazing physician. I loved our conversations, his laughs and our teamwork. I will miss him dearly. Sending prayers and hugs.
Dr Chen was the first resident I worked with on my first rotation last year. He was soft-spoken and adored by other students. He offered me his notes from when he was a medical student without knowing me. He loved his plants and he’d happily provide advice about propagating succulents. His demeanor and softness were traits that I will continue to emulate!
His patients, to this day, remember only good things about him. Those he worked with and inspired are deeply affected by his absence. I hope he knew how loved and treasured he was, as is apparent in the comments mentioned here.
I cannot imagine the hurt you were experiencing during your life and I can only hope that you found solace where you are now. I hope the love the world has for you continues to reach you.
And I hope we all strive to love and treasure each other clearly and without hesitation while we are here on this earth, especially in the medical community where it can be so easy to drown in sadness and isolation.
🕊️❤️
Aaron was my tutor as an undergraduate student at UIUC. He was very kind and caring. May his memory be a blessing.