Chris Robert Santner

Chris Robert Santner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 75. He was born on May 10, 1949, in Borger, Texas, to Robert and Lois Santner. Chris is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Rhonda Santner; his son Nicholas Santner and daughter-in-law Amie Santner and their children Catherine and William; his daughter Kara Santner; and his sister Linda Westenberger and brother-in-law David Johnson, as well as numerous extended family members and friends who held a special place in his heart.

Throughout his childhood, Chris lived in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Old Ocean, Texas, and Sweeny, Texas, following his father's engineering career with Phillips. He developed a profound connection to the family ranch in Smith County, Kansas, where he spent countless hours walking the land, reminiscing about time with his grandparents, and tending to unruly cedar trees. His love for the countryside remained a defining aspect of his life.

Chris was a proud graduate of Sweeny High School, where he excelled in band, football, and tennis, graduating in 1967. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1972. Although he planned to pursue graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, he enlisted in the Navy due to a low draft number, joining the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five—the Seabees—in June 1972. His service included deployments to Japan and Puerto Rico, where he served as a detachment Officer-in-Charge and Bravo Company commander, respectively. While he treasured his experiences as a naval officer, he often quipped about his aversion to being shot at.

After completing his active duty, Chris returned to the University of Houston in 1975 to earn a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. It was during this time he started dating Rhonda, who he’d met in 1969. The couple married in March 1978 and enjoyed living in both Houston and Denver before ultimately returning to Houston, where they built a life together.

Using his degrees and meticulous nature, Chris became a leading world expert in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) technology, travelling the world to advise clients on both new and existing refineries. His career allowed him to visit 6 of 7 continents, make relationships all over the world, collect travel stories, and become a United Airlines Million miler. He loved exploring new places and visiting grocery stores all over the world. In particular, he loved France and visiting the endless supply of World War II sites.

Chris had a passion for the great outdoors, particularly in Colorado, where the family vacationed annually in Lake City, hiking the state's impressive 14,000-foot peaks. His love of photography, especially capturing the beauty of nature, provided him with joy and fulfilment.

As a dedicated member and leader of Houston First Church of the Nazarene since 1991, Chris believed that his family—Rhonda, Kara, and Nick—were answers to his prayers. He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Corwin and Eleanor Nosker, and his brother Mark Santner.

A visitation will be held on April 14, 5-8 pm at Brookside Funeral Home – Cypress Creek. Funeral services with reception will be held on April 15, 10 am at Brookside Funeral Home – Cypress Creek followed by a 2 pm graveside service at Woodlawn Funeral Home Garden of Memories. Chris will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.