Chris was the youngest of 6 siblings and was born with Downs Syndrome. He grew up in the family home in Raytown, MO where he would reside until 2012.
Chris was a happy go lucky kid and he loved life. He had a silly side, and on occasion, a grumpy side. He brought much love and joy to his family and friends. His Mom and Dad were dedicated to loving and caring for him, and giving him a comfortable, and full life. He attended Lakeview Woods State School as a youth. And he loved his dog, Buster.
Chris developed many interests and hobbies. He loved WWF wrestling, and collected a lot of memorabilia. John Cena was his favorite wrestler. He enjoyed bowling, playing basketball, and other sports. He participated in Special Olympics for many years. He played Catcher in a softball league. Due to influences of his Dad and siblings, he became a big fan of KC Chiefs football and KC Royals baseball. His Dad got him interested in weightlifting, and Chris learned how to pump iron and get stronger. He liked Country music, as well as Michael Jackson. Chris was a Dancer and a singer. The dance he attended one Friday night a month was a joy he looked forward to. His best buddies Joe and Owen would grab a magic marker (which Chris would bring to represent their microphones) and they would dance up a storm and sing at the top of their lungs! And he always looked forward to the summer when it was time for a week long stay at Camp Moja in Excelsior Springs.
In 1989, at the age of 22, he began working for Southeast Enterprises, a job he kept for 28 years. He was a great employee and was very conscientious about maintaining a good attendance record. He truly enjoyed his time there, and made many life long friends during his employment.
Chris was a kid at heart. He had a mischievous side and was downright sneaky on occasion. Oftentimes, he would get caught sneaking snacks or filling his pockets with change he found around the house. The Thompson nephews recalled a time when Chris and family visited them in Jefferson City. Chris carried out a large box of baseball cards belonging to the boys. One of them asked Chris what he had, and he said, “nothing”. Then he was asked where he was going with that box of cards, and he just shrugged and put them in the trunk of the car.
Chris had a love for the US Presidents. He had collector cards and loved reading them. He spent hours rewriting the words in notebooks.
Chris loved to travel. Memorable trips included Plymouth Rock, New Orleans, the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa, Niagara Falls, Maine, Washington DC, and many other destinations. Kathy recalled taking Chris and Hannah on an adventure to Disneyworld. He and brother Charlie had a blast on one trip that took them to Mackinac Island in Michigan. And on Chris’s 50th birthday, Don, Mary, and Kathy took Chris to Branson. He got to go to the wax museum along with his favorite show, the Dixie Stampede. He even got in the hot tub at the hotel.
In 2012, after his Dad passed away, Chris went to live in a group home in Greenwood, MO. While there, he was blessed to have loving caregivers, the Shanahan’s along with getting to know fellow residents whom he developed great friendships with. They were truly his family and loved him as their own.
Chris moved on in 2018 to live at Preferred Family Healthcare in Kansas City, where once again, he received great loving care from faithful caregivers. They loved him well. His closeness with Marian was obvious. She took him to Walmart, to the park, to get lunch and haircuts. Her dedication to him has been comforting and appreciated.
Chris was diagnosed with Dementia late in his life, which ultimately caused his health to fail. He suffered many health set backs, but because of the love and encouragement of those who cared for him, he fought back many times and rallied.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis E. and Roberta (Bobby) Roberts, and his older brother Robin Roberts.
He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Thompson, and husband Dale, Kathy Eginoire, and husband Steve, Donald Roberts, and wife Mary, Charles Roberts, and Susan Roberts (wife to Robin), nieces and nephews along with their children, Aunt Mary Alice and Uncle Darrell Reynolds of Amarillo, Tx and Aunt Judy McBride of Gardner, Ks.
Chris’s family is eternally thankful to all of those who cared for him, including Marian, Hillary, Pam, Gina, Tom, Itoya, Debbie, Wes, and so many others.
Many of those who knew Chris are heartbroken at his passing. However, Chris is now with the Lord. He is no longer bound by his physical body and limited by his ailments. He is free and in the presence of his Heavenly Father. Chris is gone from this place but certainly not far from our thoughts and Always in our hearts.
Graveside service will be on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 at 2pm. at Floral Hills Cemetery, 6912 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. Contributions in Chris’s memory may be made to Special Olympics, Camp Moja, and/or Hospice. The family encourages all to sport their Kansas City Chiefs attire to honor Chris.
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