Christopher Kent Paschal

Christopher Kent Paschal, 37, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Smyth County and was preceded in death by his grandparents, Owen and Sarah Paschal and L.B. and Christine Fullen. He was a graduate of Chilhowie High School and the Southwest Virginia Law Enforcement Academy. He had been with the Saltville Police Department and was with the Smyth County Sheriff's Office for the past eight years. He was a dedicated police officer who started as a road officer and became a K9 officer. He was also a member of the Smyth County Sheriff's Office Dive Team and Emergency Response Team. In 2007 he and his K9 partner Ben graduated from the Virginia State Police/Southwest Law Enforcement Academy's narcotics and dog handling school. He also volunteered with the Chilhowie Rescue Squad. He was a very devoted, loving husband and father who had a tremendous love for Kasey, Tanner and Keyleigh. He was a beloved son. His favorite pastime was spending time camping with his family, hunting with his son, Tanner, Steve, Joe and others, lifting weights with Mike at Mike's Gym and watching Virginia Tech football games with his buddies. Survivors include wife, Kasey Paschal; two children, Tanner and Keyleigh Paschal of the home; K9 partner, Ben; mother and stepfather, Janice and Bill Coe of Chilhowie; father and stepmother, Kenny and Shelva Paschal of Asheboro, N.C.; brothers, Kevin Paschal and wife, Jennifer, of Hiram, Ga., Michael Paschal and wife, Kirsten, of Wilmington, N.C., Jonathan Paschal of Wilmington, N.C.; special niece and nephew, Adalie and Braden Paschal; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; and his extended family at the Smyth County Sheriff's Department. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Calvary Baptist Church on Matson Drive in Marion with the Rev. David Love, Pastor Mike Sage, Rodney Eller and Alan Jones officiating. Interment followed in Westwood Memorial Gardens with police officer rites and honors being rendered by the Smyth County Sheriff's Department. A reception followed at Joy Baptist Church 37266 Farris Drive Glade Spring. The family received friends on Wednesday from 1 until 3 p.m. and 5 until 9 p.m. at the church. Pallbearers were Steve Thompson, Michael Lomans, Joe Samaniego, Jeff Fullen, Michael Paschal, Jonathan Paschal, Chad Custer and Kris Chapman. Honorary pallbearers will be the Smyth County Sheriff's Department and all local law enforcement agencies. Memorial contributions can be made to the Deputy Chris Paschal relief Fund, Bank of Chilhowie, P.O. Box 1560 Chilhowie, VA 24319. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.