Don Christian Barngrover

Captain Chris Barngrover, a devoted guardian of his community and a beloved family man, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, surrounded by his biological family and his family in blue at the age of sixty-one.
Born on November 30, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Billy Don Barngrover and Rose Marie Wolf, Chris's journey as a protector began early. His family relocated to Stillwater when he was three, a city that would later become the starting point for his illustrious career in law enforcement.
Chris answered the call to serve with unwavering dedication. He began his service with the Stillwater Police Department in 1987 and briefly served in Tipton before finding a unique peace as a Park Ranger at Quartz Mountain for over a decade. On October 26, 2008, he brought his immense skill and even bigger heart to the Altus Police Department, where he proudly rose to the rank of Captain of the Mid-Shift.
When asked why he chose this path, he would often joke that he always wanted to have a gun. But those who knew him understood the profound truth behind the humor: at his very core, Chris was a protector. He possessed an innate drive to safeguard everyone-family, friends, and strangers alike. He was a father figure to countless officers at the Altus PD, known for his generous acts of kindness and his incredible knack for seeing the very best in people. He didn't just see their potential; he helped them strive to reach it, often with just a look that gently said, "You can do better."
Beyond the badge, Chris was a man of vibrant passions. He held an incredible dedication to Akido karate, practicing and mastering his craft at the Wilcoxen Family Academy in Altus. His love for travel and competition led him to achieve the esteemed rank of third-degree black belt. He took great joy in sharing this passion, especially in teaching the younger generation the art of the Arnis.
His commitment to service extended far into the community. He was a pillar of events like Spooky Town and Cops and Kids Christmas, and he offered hope and healing for over sixteen years as a member of the Victims Impact Panel. Throughout his career, his bravery and pursuit of excellence saved countless lives, often finding himself at the right place at the right time because he was always looking out for others.
In his free time, Chris was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting ducks, deer, and elk and was a masterful storyteller, recounting his adventurous elk hunts in Colorado with his friends. He found serenity kayaking at Medicine Park and was eagerly looking forward to kayaking the Altus reservoir, for which he had even built a special trailer for his kayaks. He also shared a great love for motorcycles. He cherished his time on the open road and participated in several riding clubs for first responders and police officers. He especially looked forward to the Chief's Ride. He would travel the nation doing charity rides and showing support to his brothers and arms.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Billy Don Barngrover.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and service to be cherished by his mother, Rosemarie Wolf; his son, Clinton Gage Orr, and wife Amanda; his daughter, Randi Christine Barngrover-Presley, and husband Alan; his honorary companion in life, Jane Roberts, or as he lovingly referred to her as his POCF (point of contact friend) his sisters, Judi Kastl, Sonya Bishop, and Tonya Barngrover ; and his adored grandchildren, Kenadi, Jocelyn, Maddie, and Colton. Nephew, Trevor and Niece, Maddie.
He is also survived by his extended family: the men and women of the Altus Police Department, and all law enforcement officers and first responders who held him in the highest esteem.
Captain Chris Barngrover was a staple of the Altus community, a man who always looked to better his world and gave his all, no matter what. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his protective spirit, his generous heart, and his unwavering integrity will forever inspire all who were privileged to know him.
In place of flowers, the Barngrover family requests donations be made to the Altus Fraternal Order of Police to pass forward his support within his community.
The Barngrover family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home, with full police honors.
A celebration of life service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.