Amos Blynn Hargrave

A memorial celebration will be held February 22, 2026, from 4-7pm at Ox Cafe 1600 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102.

Amos Blynn Hargrave, 74, a celebrated luthier, passed on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Lawrence, KS. Amos was born on June 10, 1951, in Sikeston, MO, the son of Amos Walter and Leta Colleen (Converse) Hargrave. The family lived in Missoula, MT and later Eureka, CA where he graduated from Eureka High.

Amos began his career as a luthier in 1974 at the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City. Although never boastful, his craftsmanship was awarded four gold medals from the Violin Society of America between 1980 and 1982 and was designated Hors Concours status in 1984. Amos’s skills and attention to detail were exceptional; he was highly sought after as a master restorer. He never rushed and nothing left his bench until he was satisfied. He was a teacher and mentor to many aspiring violin makers and restorers.

Amos met his wife Michele Bergman when he repaired her cello in 2001 and they married on June 15, 2002, in Lawrence, KS. They had 25 beautiful years together full of love and lots of life. Amos joyfully entered family life embracing a house full of teenage chaos. While always humble about his craftsmanship, he would boast to anyone who would listen about his beloved grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, stepchildren, Emily (Caleb) Winters, Andy (Sophie Mesters) Sack, grandchildren, Harvey, Graham, Charlie Penney, niece and nephew, Nino Carillo, and Pilar Taylor. Amos was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Nana Carillo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for a Violin Making School of America scholarship fund in Amos’s name will be available next week.