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Chris was born in Upland, California and at an early age his family moved to Oklahoma. He was raised on a farm in Grant County, Oklahoma. He lost his father at age four but had his older brother Floyd to lean on. He also had the love of his sisters Shirley, Barbara, and Linda along with his wonderful mother affectionately known later in life as Granny Goose.
He graduated from Wakita High School. His cousin David Brittain will tell you that when Chris first saw Judy (Gerberding) in high school, he said "I'm going to marry her someday". Chris always kept his word.
Chris joined the Army and served in several places including Korea. After the Army, he joined the Oklahoma City Police Department and served about nine years making many friends for life.
Chris and Judy had two sons that he was very proud of, Jeff and Rick. He loved both of his daughters-in-law, Sharon (who gave him two granddaughters) and Melissa (who gave him two grandsons). Sherri (Daniel) Gilchrest was his God daughter and he loved her like a daughter.
Chris enjoyed many things including riding motorcycles. One summer he and Judy rode their 750 Honda to California and to Canada. They brought rain to deserts that hadn't seen rain in months.
While serving on the police department and during his many other part-time jobs, he put himself through college, got a master's degree and graduated law school. He even was an intern at the District Attorney's Office for a short time. He passed the bar in 1978 and hung his own shingle. With Judy at his side, he grew his practice and in 1986 he bought his own building. He enjoyed his work and the occasional after work bull sessions with Don Hinkle. He practiced there until 2013 when he retired.
Chris and Judy moved their home to Jacktown in 1980. Shortly thereafter, he started flying planes as a hobby. He got his license and maintained an "airstrip" registered as Jacktown International on the back forty. Many years back he was taking several cases in the panhandle mostly to give him an excuse to fly. Within the last couple years Chris and Judy sold their forty acres and built a house in Meeker. With less land to maintain he could focus more on watching old westerns and tinkering in his shop. Recently he purchased a convertible (because he always wanted one) and really enjoyed his last Talimena drive with Judy.
Chris' friends and extended family took a backseat after his grandkids came along. We all thought he couldn't love anyone more than Rachel, Christopher, Madison and Ethan but when his great-granddaughter Evelyn came along, the bar was reset. Not any man could get Chris down on the ground but if Evelyn needed a horse, she could get him on all fours in a second. They also enjoyed sharing treats with jellybeans being a favorite. Evelyn has also learned from Grandpa Chris how to tease and play jokes.
One person that never took a backseat to anyone was Judy. Chris could not have loved anyone more. He didn't want to do anything without her.
Chris was an honorable and respected man but most importantly was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and so much more to so many. He will be GREATLY missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you donate to a charity that serves your local community.
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