Christopher Baden

Christopher M. Baden, whose generous spirit, offbeat sense of humor and steadfast loyalty made him beloved among his family and friends, passed away on Feb. 18 after a short battle with metastatic cancer. He had turned 62 earlier that month. 

For decades Chris lived in New York City with his wife, Delphine Harper, pursuing careers in retail, nonprofit social services and the legal sector. He relocated to his family home outside of Upper Marlboro in early 2025. At the time of his death, he worked for the McDermott Will & Emery law firm’s office in Washington, D.C. 

He was the son of Phyllis L. Baden and Thomas B. Baden Sr., who passed away in 2013. Chris is survived by his wife, Delphine, his mother and eight siblings: Thomas Baden Jr., Bruce Baden, Nancy (Ken) Brown. Stephen Baden, Michael Baden, Cynthia Gibbons, Kerby Baden, and James Baden; as well as stepchildren John Redd, Michele Harper, M.D., and Maj. Kimberly Ijanaten. He also leaves behind a flock of nieces and nephews, all of whom were always delighted to see him at family vacations, celebrations and get-togethers, knowing he would inject a spirit of lively and unpredictable fun into the proceedings.

A graduate of Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Chris attended the University of Maryland, College Park. 

He was an iconoclast. Chris did things his own way. For years he shunned the technology and architecture of the modern financial system, preferring to pay in cash for goods and services. He knew every conceivable way to travel from New York to the D.C. area. If he liked a shirt or a pair of shoes, he would wear them until, well, they couldn’t be worn. He spun tall tales, usually involving himself. He made everyone laugh. You were always happy to see Chris Baden, as he called himself to everyone.

Chris rarely missed an event on the family farm. There were lots of them, given his sprawling family. Nor did he miss many of the twice-a-year camping trips he took across Maryland for more than three decades with a close group of friends. It won’t be the same without him. 

To paraphrase his trademark farewell to those departing his presence, "thanks for coming" -Chris Baden.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home, Inc., 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd, Clinton, MD 20735, Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 10am with funeral services beginning at 12pm. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD, following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ memory can be made to  American Cancer Society