Chris Urton Obituary (1961

Chris Alan Urton Obituary May 20, 1961 – August 3, 2025 Chris Alan Urton, 64, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 3, 2025, surrounded by family. A man of steadfast faith, gentle strength, and deep devotion, Chris leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and humility. Born on May 20, 1961, to Merlin and Carolyn Urton (both preceding him in death), Chris graduated from Newark High School in 1979 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Christian College in World Missions in 1994. He married his best friend Lori Chambers on August 30, 1981, and they were happily married for 43 years. His work for missions took their family around the world and on many interesting adventures but they always landed back in Papua New Guinea. His life’s work reflected his heart for missions and craftsmanship. He served as a Bible Translator for the Sob language group in Papua New Guinea with Pioneer Bible Translators, and as a skilled carpenter with Parks Construction. His faith and work ethic left a quiet but lasting impact on all who knew him. Chris cherished simple joys—fishing, golfing, playing Euchre, cheering for the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers with his wife Lori. He was most at home in Papua New Guinea, spending time with his grandkids, or cracking a joke. Chris is survived by his wife, Lori; children, Stephanie (Brandon) Umphrey and Ryne (Rachel) Urton; and grandchildren, Westin and Cameron Umphrey, Blake, Bennett, Anderson, and Jordan Urton. He is also survived by his siblings, Eric Urton, Kelly (Charlie) Harris, and Mike Urton; several aunts, uncles and cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless cherished friends. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a celebration of life beginning at 12:00 p.m. at New Horizon Christian Church, 14038 E 350 North Rd. Heyworth, IL 61745 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Sob Translation Fund. Checks can be mailed to PBT Finance Office P.O. Box 380820 Duncanville, TX 75138 or https://pioneerbible.org/donate. Please make a note on the check or add a comment to the website stating the donation is for the Sob Translation Fund in Memory of Chris Urton.