Charles Crist Obituary
He was born to Robert and Betty Lou on February 18, 1958, in Hannibal, Missouri. He attended Shelbina Public Schools, where he was actively involved in sports and extracurricular activities, including the Boy Scouts. A natural leader, he served as president of the National Honor Society and was a starter on his high school's championship football team. He took great pride in earning the rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palm and often enjoyed sharing stories from his scouting days.
After high school, he attended the prestigious seven-year medical program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he was recognized as a University Scholar and earned his medical degree. Following his family practice residency at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, he served three years on active duty in the United States Air Force as an A-10 flight surgeon. During his service, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Though he spoke fondly of many memories from his time in the Air Force, none were dearer than those from his stationing in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he met his wife of 38 years, Kimberly (Kim) Crist. He was a devoted husband who loved Kim tremendously, finding joy and purpose simply in being by her side. Their life together was built on deep affection, loyalty, and unwavering companionship. Wherever she was, that was where he wanted to be, and his greatest joy came from sharing each day with her. He was also a devoted father to his two daughters, leading by example and grounding them in faith and strong values.
Charles was an active member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), where he had served as Secretary and President of the organization. He was an avid supporter of Mizzou athletics, holding season football tickets for over a decade and finding few things more exciting than cheering on the Tigers.
Charles is survived by his wife Kim and daughters, Lindsey Crist and Lauren Crist Grohs (William). He is also survived by his two grandsons Samuel Grohs and Griffin Grohs, sisters Robin Crist Buckman (Dan), Camilla Crist, and Heidi Crist Templeton (Scott), and brother Rod Crist (Sue). He is additionally survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, along with his brothers and sisters-in-law from his wife's family. Charles was preceded in death by his parents.
A Godly man in every sense, his faith shaped how he lived, loved, and served others. Through his words and actions, he exemplified love, integrity, humility, and a steadfast trust in God that touched all who knew him.
Memorial donations are suggested to Lymedisease.org or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joe Kelly
January 24, 2026
Hello Camilla, Rod, Heidi and Robin; most recently in Denver several years ago, Kim and Lindsey. Joe Kelly from Tabernash, Colorado (near Winter Park).
My brother Doug informed me of Chuck's passing about a week ago. I am still trying to process the news. I am very sorry for Your Loss.
After Mr. Crist died, I sent Chuck several text messages thanking him for all the great times at the Baring Lake. Thank You All again, from the
"Kellys to the Crist Family.
>> Chuck Crist, You are a Very Good Man. I will miss You. Joe Kelly
Sharon Agne
January 24, 2026
My sister was a cardiac surgeon with Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri when she heard about Dr. Crist's life-saving work with Lyme Disease. We first met him in 2000. Dr. Crist spent 4 hours with us. My sister commented on what an extraordinary doctor and human being he seemed to be. Over the next decade Dr. Crist became pivotal in our life.
To the family of Dr. Crist, I want to express our deepest condolences. We sent countless people to Dr. Crist over the years when they were desperately needing care. We knew they would not be overlooked medically, nor spiritually - as this faithful man of God would always pray with them, giving any healing to the glory of God.
To the wife of Dr. Crist, my heart goes out to you in a most personal way. My husband passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack six months ago at the age of 58. I know where you're at because I'm living it. You are not alone. The journey ahead is a difficult one. I will be praying for you every single day in the months to come.
Robert H Ball, MD
January 21, 2026
Thanks for Your work in the field of LYMES DISEASE research, study and treatment.
Leonard Weinstock
January 21, 2026
Dear Crist Family,
Chuck and I shared many patients. He was unparelled in his care of patients - devotion was key. He understood tick borne disease more than anyone in Missouri and surrounding states.
It is with a heavy heart that when I see his patients, or people that I would have referred to him, I will miss him and realize how much he will be missed by patients who are so ill.
Please extend my condolences to all of his family.
Leonard Weinstock, MD
Saint Louis, MO
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Julia G
January 20, 2026
Dr. Crist was my Lyme Dr for the past months. I am so thankful to have been his patient. He reassured me when I was frightened.
My deepest condolences to his family for this special person.
Jeri and Nick Drummond
January 19, 2026
My son has Lyme Disease and was treated by Dr. Crist. He was kind and really listened. Thank you, Dr. Crist. We are saddened by this news and we're keeping his family and his wonderful staff in our prayers.
Julie Green
January 18, 2026
I just wanted to say how grateful I am that I was a patient of Dr Crist´s. I was so incredibly sick and he helped kill off the Lyme and get better. I went from not being able to walk to the bathroom to working bedside nursing. I will always remember his kindness. He definitely leaves a legacy. I hope God comforts his family during this difficult time.
Audrea
January 18, 2026
I am so saddened by this news. I travelled 8 hours to see him in clinic for Lyme treatment and he was a vital member of my care team. Prayers for his family as he is now living his best life with Jesus!
Allen Robbins
January 17, 2026
I owe my life to this man. I was given a possible ALS diagnosis, but he knew better and figured out what was wrong...because he listened and cared about his patients. He will be missed!
Dick Wise
January 17, 2026
Never thought I would outlast my favorite lymie Doc. He helped me whip 3 separate bouts of lymes, was willing to pray with me for healing, and put up with all my faults. God blessed me with Dr.Crist's help. I told Doc that God made me a chick magnet but he said that I had a hearing problem, God really said tick magnet. Gonna miss him. Dick Wise Cawker City, Ks
Lisa Oliver
January 17, 2026
My heart goes out to Dr. Cris dear wife, family and friends. I knew him as my Doctor, but though only meeting him twice felt like he was a beloved friend. He believed me and helped when no one else would. He educated me, treated my illness and helped me see value in taking care of myself. I can not put into words the huge impact he had on me, physically, mentally and emotionally. A dear man, with the intelligence and compassion all physicians should aspire to. Sending love to all those whose life he was a part of. Lisa Oliver
Barbara Palczer
January 17, 2026
Dr. Crist was a wonderful caring Physician. I went to Dr. Crist because I was out of hope and so was our son. He helped us when other doctors could not figure out what was going on in our bodies. His treatments worked for both of us. He looked outside of the box which was a God given gift. He was a pioneer and super specialist regarding tick borne diseases. He took the time to listen and document. His patience was amazing. It saddened me to read that Dr. Crist had passed but I know that he is with his Creator now. He will certainly be missed by all of his patients. May God bless his family as they morn the loss of their beloved family member.
Tristi Matzuka
January 16, 2026
Dr Crist was my lyme doctor for 6 years, and he would always pray for me before I would head back home to Illinois which brought me great comfort. I´m 80% better because of Dr Crist and will always be thankful to him. He was such a caring, compassionate doctor - I´m shocked and heart broken. But, I know he is in the arms of our Lord. My condolence to his wife, family and his wonderful staff.
Dr Crist will be missed by many.
Tristi Matzuka
Lisa Thornton
January 16, 2026
Dr Crist prayed for me and gave me hope when I was lost with no answers for my health decline. He and his staff were kind and caring. I see he was all that and so much more reading the obit. Sincere prayers to all family, friends and staff.
Whitney Owen
January 16, 2026
Dr. Crist will always have a special place in my heart. He started treating me for Lyme back in June when other doctors said I had ALS. Everytime I do a simple task that I couldn't do a few months ago, I think of him and how grateful I am for him and his beautiful staff. He gave me my life back.
~Whitney Owen
Rev. Linda Bollenbach
January 16, 2026
I am forever grateful to Dr. Crist for his compassionate care when debilitating symptoms of tick-borne illness returned 20 years after my initial infection, causing me to step down from my position as ethics manager in a large healthcare system. He was recommended by my PCP who trusted his experience. He listened and offered guidance that restored my health and hope. I tearfully thanked him for his courage in treating those of us with baffling chronic illnesses, rather than leaving us to struggle alone. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Jenny Cummings
January 16, 2026
Dr. Crist was so helpful to me and my children. We all were diagnosed with Lyme. Not only did he help us physically but also spiritually. He encouraged us to share our story and help others. We did that, with another Lyme patient of his, by starting LymeAid, a support group in southwest Michigan. While the group is no longer meeting, we continue to minister to others with Lyme, sharing the things we learned from Dr. Crist in the hopes that they too will find healing like we did.
Vickie Barkley
January 15, 2026
So very saddened to hear of Dr. Crist´s passing. He turned my life and my health completely around starting two years ago. I´m so glad I had an appointment with him 3 weeks ago . God´s blessings to your family.
Ann Prow
January 15, 2026
Dr Crist was the first LLMD I went to and helped my husband and I find out I had gotten it from him and he had gotten it when in the Army at Ft Leonard Wood. We so appreciated his knowledge and help to get us functioning again. I am so sorry he has passed as I'm sure you will miss him, he was a wonderful physician for us and such a good man!
Ann & Joseph Prow
Theresa
January 15, 2026
God bless you Dr Crist. I was a Lyme patient.
Patrick Watkins
January 15, 2026
My condolences for all the family
Pat Watkins
Mary McKinnis
January 15, 2026
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Crist's passing. He was so kind and humble and saved my daughter's life. We are all grieving the loss of such a great doctor, husband, father, grandpa and sibling. There is victory in Jesus and we know we will see him again. The world's loss, heaven's gain.
BETTY J GORDON
January 14, 2026
To Charles wife and family,
I never met your beloved husband/dad/grandpa.
I'm a 56 year lyme/bartonella tick-borne patient. I referred hundreds of people to Charles in the last 20 years.
I heard phenomenal things about his LISTENING SKILLS, CARE, AND TREATMENT for them all. He was highly respected by all.
My heart goes out to each of you on this tremendous to you and our large tick-borne community. RIP CHARLES.
Betty Gordon, Central Iowa patient/activist/widow
Rhonda Kenshalo
January 14, 2026
I am forever grateful for Dr. Crist! Because of his knowledge concerning tick-borne illnesses, his compassion in listening, and his faith in praying with us, my daughter regained health and strength. Myranda is still with us because God worked miracles through His servant, Dr. Crist. I´m so sorry for all who love him and am praying for each one of you.
Chris Miller
January 14, 2026
Kim and family, I am so in shock and filled with sympathy for you all. I will always have fond memories of Chuck
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