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BORN
1972
DIED
2025
Christopher Burris Obituary
Raised as a military dependent, Chris spent his youth traveling across the country, yet was always proud to call West Plains, Mo., his home. He attended West Plains High School before settling there and starting his family.
He was the proud father of five children, including a stepson he loved as his own, and the pride he carried for his children was the joy he spoke of most often. His three daughters were born to his first wife Sylvia Ponder, and his two sons were born to his late wife Sheri Smith.
Chris found his greatest peace outdoors, along a riverbank, skipping rocks or fishing away the hours. His faith, family and deeply rooted patriotism were the cornerstones of his life, rivaled only by his lifelong devotion to the Dallas Cowboys. Above all, he will be remembered for a life lived with strength, grit and an unwavering commitment to the values he held most dear.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Curtis and Inis Moss and his paternal grandparents: Richard and Margarette Burris; his mother Judy Ann Moss; his uncles Jerry and Donald Moss; and his former wife Sheri Smith.
He is survived by his father Wayne and wife Marie Burris of Kansas City; his brothers Curtis Burris and Chad Burris; his stepbrother Benjamin Buck,and his stepsister Jennifer Carpenter; his five children Mallary (Burris) Quates and husband Josh of West Plains, Hannah (Burris) Cullen and husband Morgan of Omaha, Neb., Allison Burris of West Plains, Christopher Shelton of Melbourne, Ark., and Josh Smith of Lawton, Okla.; seven grandchildren Levi, Mason, Emma, Miyah, Brigham, Mayzey and Mayley; and many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Christopher's place of burial will be at Elijah Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to reminisce and honor the life of Chris at a memorial service in late January. Please contact the family for details, 417-252-3888 or 417-293-7189.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Burris
Mallary Quates
January 30, 2026
Chad Burris
January 23, 2026
I miss you brother, I know you´re in heaven with Momma, but I can´t help but miss you here with us. I love you big brother. Till we see each other again.
Walter Godat
January 16, 2026
You will always be missed!
Robin Sitzmann
December 22, 2025
Out of all the places in this world you could run into someone a Drs. Office in Sioux City Iowa would be the last place you would run into your brother in law , when you were once married to his youngest brother . I'll never forget the few days he stayed with me & most of that time was talking for hours and hours about family & the holidays spent down in West plains. The deep conversations about God will mean the most to me . Chris was speechless for a second or two when I told him that I didn't have Jesus in my life until I married his brother.
He ALWAYS called me YANKEE with a grin & that day I seen him here of all places & heard "Hey Yankees you just going to walk by "
Before even looking up I knew it was Chris!! Nobody has ever called me Yankee , I'd say You're more of a Yankee than I am ! And now ..... as it turns out I was right and the talks .. THANK YOU for reminding who I am
I'm just going to say - from one Yankee to another
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Robin Sitzmann (Burris)
December 22, 2025
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived , let the good memories shine on ALWAYS.
Robin Sitzmann
December 22, 2025
Jeri Bankston Shumway
December 22, 2025
You always had a joke and was fun loving as a teen... Rest in Peace
Jesse
December 21, 2025
Rest easy my brother, much love
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