Cristoval Moreno “Chris” Perez, 71 years old, of Pampa, Texas, answered Jesus call and drew his last breath while his daughter as well as his former spouse and friend sat holding his hands at his home on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
He was born on December 8, 1952, to Joe and Victoria Castillo in El Campo, Texas.
Following his graduation from EL Campo High School in 1972, Chris joined the United States Army and proudly served his country. He moved to Pampa in the late 70’s and was employed with Getty Oil as an oilfield pumper before he began his 20 years of dedication to Cabot Corporation. He then ventured to NOV and finally retired.
It was during this time in 1981, that he married Jana and although the marriage didn’t survive, they had a beautiful daughter as well as an amazing friendship that stood the test of time.
When not working and after retirement, it was a pretty sure bet that Chris could be found in one of three places – in the kitchen whipping up his salsa or cooking an incredible meal full of spices – standing over the grill barbequing ribs or brisket – or elbows deep in dirt tending his garden harvesting vegetables and pruning his beautiful flowerbeds. Not only did Chris have a green thumb, but he had an impeccable way of expressing his thoughts by sculpting words into artful poetry.
Chris had quite an ornery streak, he loved to prank his fellow coworkers at every given opportunity! His outgoing disposition and fun-loving personality seemed to spark a flame and generate happiness all around him.
In high school, Chris was an outstanding runner in track and field, and he played softball for many years, helped with Boy Scouts, served on the Pampa ISD School Board, and was a member of the Moose Lodge. He became a Steelers fan, and it was common knowledge by many people that he set up a Superbowl pot every year. Chris was known by many people in the community and had lots of friends whom he enjoyed visiting and rehashing the past with, but his favorite person to hang out with was his one and only grandchild, his favorite grandson – Jonathan – oh how he loved him!
Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Victoria Castillo and husband Joe; stepmom, Juanita Perez; a son, Jonathan Perez; brothers, Cristoval Perez, Jr, Tony Perez; sisters, Molly Stumer, Bonnie Crawley, and Linda Perez.
Those left to hold tight his precious memories are his daughter, Janee Perez Lopez and husband Marcelo of Pampa; former spouse and friend, Jana Holdaway of Pampa; brothers, Rudy Perez of Mission, Benji Perez of Glyndon, MN; sisters, Lea Castillo of Houston, Evangeline Alvarez and husband Javi of Mission, Anissa Perez Davila and husband Michael of El Campo, Pauline Perez Hinojosa of Fargo, ND; his grandson, Jonathan Lopez of Pampa and a young man whom Chris played a large part in his upbringing, Sam Gamble of Pampa. Not to mention the plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that he loved.
For those wishing to pay respects, Chris will be available for viewing on Thursday 24th from 5-8pm, Friday 25th from 9am-8pm, and again Saturday 26th from 9am-1pm in the Winegeart Funeral Home Serenity Chapel.
Celebration of Life Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 26 th , 2024, at Winegeart Funeral Home Serenity Chapel, 300 W. Browning Avenue with Chaplain Nelson Feliciano officiating. A burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com to leave words of encouragement, sympathies or to share memories of Chris with the family on Chris’s Book of Memories.
