Gary L. Christopher of Independence, Mo. passed away on the 2nd of January 2026.
He was born on June 9th, 1959, in Trenton, NJ. He learned to play guitar at the age of nine (9). He joined the Air Force at the age of seventeen (17). He was honorably discharged at the age of twenty-two (22). After completing his military service, he moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he learned the roofing trade and started playing guitar in several bands, and is where his son was born. He worked for WTI (Weatherproofing Technology Inc) for over twenty (20) years. Starting as a superintendent and finally as an estimator. He moved to Kansas City in 2007 and married the love of his life Heather Walker in 2009. He was an active member of the Epic Church KC and played lead guitar on the worship team for nearly eight (8) years until it closed in mid 2024. After which he joined Vision Church KC. And became involved with their media team. He also was somewhat of an amateur photographer. He was a lifelong student, always, the avid reader with indiscriminate interests. Before departing from this mortal coil, he was in the company of his wife and their beloved dogs.
He was preceded in death by his father: Samuel Joseph Christopher, his mother: Clarice Patrice (Daughtry) Christopher, his brother: Samuel J. Christopher, and his brother-in-law: Joe Raimondo.
He is survived by his wife: Heather Christopher of Independence, Mo. his son: Samuel Joseph Christopher III (Kristy) of Savannah, Ga. his grandson: Ryan T. Christopher of Independence, Mo. his sister: Rosa DiMatteo (Pete) of Folcroft, Pa. his sister: Marie Raimondo of Hamilton, NJ. And many nieces and nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews.
Services in honor of Mr. Christopher are to be held on the 10th of January in the year of our Lord 2026 @ Vision Church KC. Located @ 23300 NW Pink Hill Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 @ 12:00pm cst. The family will received friends at 11:00am at the church. Cards and flowers can be sent to the above address.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600
lisa einess
7 Jan 2026Heather may the Lord comfort you and your friends and family may your husband rest with our savior sending you hugs and prayers my deepest condolences 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
Donna M Burdge
7 Jan 2026What a handsome young man our first cousin Gary. He has a strong resemblance to his first cousin Armand Thomas Christopher Jr of Stockton NJ. My older sibling with whom I love.
To Heather & Samuel my deepest sympathy on the sad passing of your husband & father. I’m so happy to hear my cousin participated in church & loved the Lord. I love the scripture from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to God & father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion…,” with much love your cousin Donna M Christopher Burdge..
Samuel J. Christopher III
9 Jan 2026John 11:25-26 ESV
[25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Revelation 21:4 ESV
[4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
These two scriptures help me tremendously and I do believe Yeshua is the way and resurrection. I miss you Dad; Until I see you again.