Christopher Barte

Christopher Allen Barte, age 36, of Plain City, passed away in a tragic accident on February 1st, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by energy, laughter, and deep love for his family.

Born October 27, 1989, Chris grew up in Grandview Heights and graduated from Grandview Heights High School, where he was known for his big personality and competitive spirit. He was a standout baseball and basketball player in high school, and went on to play baseball at Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Education.

After graduation, Chris worked in the South Western City School District where he taught special education and coached baseball. From there, he transitioned into sales, and most recently worked as an Infrastructure Territory Manager at Mueller Water Products.

Chris was adventurous and loved the outdoors, with an immense enthusiasm for hunting and fishing. He found joy in involving his family in these experiences, and was excited to share these passions with his sons starting at a young age. Chris was also a sports enthusiast, who enjoyed cheering on, or yelling at, the Buckeyes, Bengals and Reds, while enjoying his Busch Light Apple. Chris was curious and always finding new interests throughout his life, ranging from music to bourbon to cattle breeding.

Chris was a loyal friend who was full of levity and had an uncanny gift for making others laugh. His humor offered comfort and a sense of normalcy when it was needed most. His laughter was contagious, and his presence made every room brighter. He was the truest of friends and never met a stranger.

Chris had a work ethic and resiliency to be proud of. These qualities were evident in every aspect of his life, and he always believed in putting in the time and effort. This was instilled by his loving mother, Sue, his older brother, Nick, and his beloved Grandparents.

Above all, Chris lived for his family. His wife Ellie and their three boys, Tucker, Drake, and Tate, were his whole world. There was not a better husband or father-his love was constant, playful, and unconditional. Chris was the gold standard for a family man, deeply focused on being present and raising polite, loving, and respectful sons.

The joy he brought to others and the love he poured into his family will be his legacy that will live on forever. He is survived by his loving wife of 9 years, Ellie, and their three sons, Tucker, Drake and Tate, who were the center of his world.

Chris is also survived by his mother, Susan Louise (Brandt) Barte, father, Trent Allen Barte, brother, Nicholas Trent Barte (Candace Cogan Barte), maternal grandparents, Jack and Pat Brandt, parents-in-law, Jim and Donna Drake, sisters-in-law, Chelsea Stein (Alex Sorgenfrei) and Abbey (Alec) Motter, nieces and nephews Damien, Evelyn, Alaina and Aiden, as well as a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Preceding Chris in death are his paternal grandparents, Ray and Betty Barte and brother-in-law, Jon Stein.

A service will be held at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church (2300 Lytham Rd. Upper Arlington, OH 43220) on Friday, February 13th at 1:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at Mill Run Event Center (3861 Park Mill Run Dr. Hilliard, OH 43026) on Friday, February 13th from 4pm – 8pm. Beginning at 4:30pm, family and friends will be welcome to share memories of Chris.

"Footprints in the Sand"

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed
across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes, there were two sets of
footprints; other times there was only one.
During the lowest of times of my life, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, "Lord, you
promised me, that if I followed you, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have
needed you most, would you leave me?"
The Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. The times when you
have seen only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Arrangements are being completed by JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME of HILLIARD, 5471 Frazell Road.