On Oct. 30, Christopher Charles Chirby passed away peacefully in his home, in Long Beach, Calif.

Chris was born on July 23, 1954, in Kansas City, Mo., but spent most of his childhood and youth right here attending St. Mary's Catholic School and Parkwood High School. After graduating in 1972, Chris then went on to study Life Sciences at University of Missouri at Kansas City, however, he chose to pursue other professional opportunities in the years following his studies.

Residing mostly in West Palm Beach, Fla., Chris was a sales and distribution manager within the beverage industry, working for such companies as McKesson & Robbins. In recent years he chose to move to southern California near his brothers, and worked for People's Choice Staffing Company.

Chris' great love was sports! He was a big fan of his beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and enjoyed playing golf with his brothers. However, he would make time for his fishing. Chris loved fishing rivers, lakes and streams. He was also a big fan of music, and especially enjoyed attending any Eagles concert.

Chris is preceded in death by his father, Charles William Chirby.

Chis leaves behind his only daughter, Christina Ley, a resident of Godfrey, Ill. He also leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Sue and Richard Reece, residing here in Joplin, as well as his four brothers, Thomas, John, Timothy and Daniel Chirby, all residing in southern California.