Christopher Michael "Chris" Stith

Christopher "Chris" Michael Stith, age 71, a lifelong resident of Daviess County, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Chris was born on November 7, 1954, at the home of his grandparents, Earl and Maggie Creekmore, in Winston, Missouri. He was the son of Bernis Dale and Margaret K. (Creekmore) Stith and graduated from Gallatin High School in 1972.

Chris grew up on the family farm south of Altamont, where he developed a strong work ethic, firm moral compass, and deep appreciation for family values. On July 2, 1972, he married Roberta "Bertie" Duffy at the Altamont United Methodist Church.

He began farming alongside his father before working for MFA in Gallatin and later retiring from the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron.

Chris loved the mountains of Colorado, riding motorcycles, bird hunting, taking car rides, reading the St. Joe Newspress front to back and attending his grandchildren's school events. He took great pride in his well maintained lawn and meticulous vegetable garden. Sundays spent with family and hosting the Stith Fourth of July were among his greatest joys. Throughout his life, Chris also found loyal companionship in the many dogs he loved and cared for over the years.

Chris will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Dorothy Duffy and sister-in-law, Liz Duffy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bertie of the home; daughters, Melanie Brungardt (Judd) of Wellsville, KS and Rebecca Collins (Seth) of Olathe, KS; grandchildren, Maggie Brungardt, Wyatt Brungardt, and Abby Collins; siblings, Junior Stith (Judy) of Gallatin, MO, Robin Stith (Sharla) of Polo, MO, and Kathy Frost (Jerry) of Gallatin, MO; nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Pilot Grove # 2 Cemetery in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Chris's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 30, 2026, at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Pilot Grove #2 Cemetery, near Jamesport, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com