Christopher George Clayton Kershaw

1949 - 2013

Christopher George Clayton Kershaw obituary, 1949-2013, Dallas, TX

Christopher Kershaw Obituary

Kershaw, Christopher George Clayton May 24, 1949 - April 28, 2013 Christopher George Clayton Kershaw met his Lord and Savior face-to-face on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the age of 63. What we only know in part this side of eternity, Chris now knows in full (1 Corinthians 13:12). Chris was born in Manhattan, New York on May 24, 1949 to Reverend George Clayton Kershaw and Alice Irene "Peggy" Evans Kershaw. He enjoyed a sweet friendship with his only sibling and older sister, Joanne Margaret Kershaw Brockman, until her death in 2004. George and Peggy moved their family to Dallas where Chris grew up. He attended University Park Elementary School in the Park Cities and later, St. Mark's School of Texas. Chris attended college at Sewanee University in Sewanee, Tennessee and later returned to his roots back in Dallas, where he studied at Southern Methodist University. From a very early age, Chris had a love and giftedness for music. At 18, he directed music for the Dallas Summer Musicals-the beginning of a bright career in the music business. He dedicated much of his time and energy to the advertising world as a jingle writer where he enjoyed friendships with world-class musicians from all over the country. Chris was awarded a CLIO Award, given to honor groundbreaking work and talent that pushes the boundaries of creativity. He later worked as a music composer, singer and producer for Jam Creative Productions. He was a brilliant mind and his respected, early career was a gift to the music industry. Chris is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kershaw, and her daughters Nicolette Noel Young and Madeline Elise Brooks. Chris and Carolyn also enjoyed the company of their two granddaughters Eden Noel Nalley and Luxe Nicole Young. He is also survived by his only son, Clayton Edward Kershaw and his wife Ellen. A memorial service will be held in celebration of Chris' life at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1st at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Dr. Ron Scates will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the Kershaw family requests that donations be made in Chris' honor to Big Thought (www.BigThought.org), an organization that runs a music program, donating instruments to underprivileged children. Our earthly loss is certainly heaven's gain, for our sadness is buoyed in the sure hope that we have in Christ Jesus. We look forward to sharing in the freedom and eternity that Chris now experiences as a reality.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Apr. 30, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Kershaw

Not sure what to say?





Chris and I took piano lessons together at University Park Elementary School. I just learned of his death. I think I still have a program from a recital we played in at the school. We were 8 years old. Rest in peace.

Peggy Walsh

May 27, 2023

What a special and talented man Chris was. Humble and soft spoken, he was the epitome of the bright, kind and decent person. I will miss our friendship and his wonderful wit. ROP my friend.

Randy Ackerman

Randy Ackerman

Classmate

May 27, 2021

What a loss and what a great person. Always soft spoken and kind. Chris was a person to be admired and emulated. I will miss him greatly.

Randy Ackerman

Classmate

May 27, 2021

I never met Clayton's father but I feel that I everyone knows him through his son's actions, on and off the field. I've been a Dodger fan since 1960 and never thought any player would take the place of my childhood idles, Don and Sandy until Clayton. Go Dodgers and Clayton.

May 14, 2021

Chris & I bumped into each other in a study hall one morning at St. Mark's in 1963. We had both arrived very early. He asked if I had seen Walter Cronkite the night before. I said no. "Too bad," he said, "he profiled this crazy group from England called the Beatles." My first knowledge of the Fab Four

JERRY CARLSON

Classmate

April 24, 2020

I can't believe it is six years since Chris passed away. I have found even more examples of his work on the internet and it reinforces what a talented man he was. His contribution and influence on the jingle scene in Dallas are sorely missed. I am sure Chris is "lead guy" in the Heavenly Choir and every time they finish singing, I bet he crumples the music up and throws it over his shoulder like he used to do on Earth ! Miss you, Chris

Colin Ridley

Friend

April 24, 2019

WHAT A GREAT PERSON .NEW HIS MUSIC

BILLY MITCHELL

Friend

June 23, 2017

I had the pleasure of performing with Chris as leader of The Majority of One in Dallas for many years. He brought musical integrity and personal honestly to all who were fortunate enough to know him. I have kept track of his well deserved success from a distance and am honored to have known him. God has a better band than ever before. Goodnight Chris.

Ed Dato

April 7, 2014

I just found out yesterday from the St. Mark's magazine that Chris had died and I was shocked and upset. I had been trying to locate him for years, wanting him to come to Santa Fe with other friends from St. Mark's and sing at my 50th and then 60th birthdays. We sang together at St. Mark's and I still have and frequently listen to old reel-to-reel tapes of him singing at the St. Mark's Folk Concert in 1969 and many times at the Catacombs coffee house which I ran at my church from 1965 until 1972. A high tenor with a world-class voice, as well as magical talent on almost any instrument, and I often wonder why he didn't go into the music business as a singer and musician. As a fellow first tenor I will try and keep the flame going performing some of his favorite folk songs and send my sympathies to his family.

Christopher Fletcher

December 19, 2013

Early one morning in 1963 at St. Mark's Chris & I were studying in a lounge. He asked me, "Did you see Walter Cronkite last?" "No," I replied. "They had a segment about some group called the Beatles. It was amazing."

Jerry Carlson

November 24, 2013

Deepest sympathy to the family. Chris gave life to my jingles and made them sing in all their glory.

Elliot Denniberg

October 29, 2013

RIP Chris,

I am a Dodger fan in LA. Thank you for giving the world your hugely talented son Clayton, who also seems to be quite a decent and charitable person as well.

You have left behind quite a legacy.

J.A. Downey

June 8, 2013

My cousin....xo..Jennifer Copeland Handler

May 23, 2013

I am sad to learn of Chris' passing. I sang in the recording studio with him many years and when I first moved to Dallas, he was so helpful and encouraging, God blesses him. He now sings with the angels.
Bettye Zoller Seitz

Bettye Zoller Seitz

May 8, 2013

Expressing my sincerest condolences to the Kershaw family and Chris's friends during this time. May all of you find solace in knowing that he is at peace.

Robyn Watkins

May 6, 2013

Sending love and light to all who loved Chris over during his lifetime. He will be remembered, by many, with a laugh and a smile for years to come.

Jesse and Bruce Upchurch

May 3, 2013

Here in Suffolk, England, Chris was a big influence. I and many others respected his extraordinary talent as a musician, writer and producer of radio themes and jingles. We followed his work with great interest. He inspired us. With his death, the world seems to have been diminished. Thoughts are with you all.

Geoff Barton

May 1, 2013

I'm very sorry to read Chris has passed away.

He sang on jingle packages for our British radio stations from 1990 to 1993, many of which he had written. He was a consummate professional, and had a superb voice.

He could easily have been a huge star if he had been in a group, but devoted himself to writing some of the very best commercials and radio jingles heard on radio around the world for over 25 years.

Len Groat - GEM-AM, Trent FM, Sound FM in the British East Midlands

Len Groat

May 1, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are for you and your surviving family. May you find Joy and happiness with our Lord Jesus Christ

Kevin Taylor

May 1, 2013

Chris...may you rest in peace.

Nancy Martin

April 30, 2013

Revealation 21:4- And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more...

April 30, 2013

God bless you Chris. You were always a talented musician and a sweet, gifted guy. you'll be missed by everyone.

David Dennard

April 30, 2013

Remembering many years of friendship. Rest easy and enjoy that heavenly music.

Ira Lipson

April 30, 2013

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Kershaw family. May happy memories of Chris help comfort you in this time of grief.

John and Ruth Stude

April 30, 2013

Chris gave me my first job as a recording artist back when we were both students at SMU, and for that I will forever be grateful. Rest in peace, my friend.

Phil McAlpine

April 30, 2013

Chris was an extremely talented, creative man. I was lucky enough to meet him several times and I loved his sense of humour. I am extremely sad to hear that he has passed away at such a young age.

Colin Ridley

April 30, 2013

God bless, Chris. And thank you for the music, laughter and friendship.

Ken Sutherland

April 30, 2013

When I worked for Kershaw-West, he always referred to himself as Tall Boss and I loved his big personality and musical gifts. He was very kind to me and I'm so sad he's gone.

Jan Parker

April 30, 2013

Rebecca and I offer our sympathy and condolences to all of Chris' family. I have many, many fond memories of the good times our families had together, his easy laugh and and immense talents.

Doug Tombaugh

April 30, 2013

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Christopher Kershaw's name

Memorial Events
for Christopher Kershaw

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Christopher's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Christopher Kershaw's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more