On Oct. 12, Christopher George Harpham, 48, sales manager for Sunbelt Spas Manufacturing, passed away in Sugar Land, Texas.
Harpham, who was born on Sept. 11, 1974 in Belleville, Kansas, spent his early childhood in Superior, Nebraska, before he and his family made the move to St. Louis, Missouri, where he would attend Manchester Missouri’s Parkway South High School.
It was in 1997 when Harpham gave up midwestern living to carve out a life for himself in Brazosport, Texas, a small community just outside of Houston. In 2001 Chris would begin a 21-year-long career with Sunbelt Spa Manufacturing.
While Harpham’s career in sales was certainly one he could be proud of, he maintained an active life outside of work as well, singing in his church’s choir, spending time with friends and satisfying his athletic passions in 2010 when he began taking jujutsu classes offered at LX Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense. By 2022 Harpham had earned his black belt and was teaching others about the ancient martial art technique.
Regardless of his accomplishments, Harpham was most proud of his son, Bailey. Harpham, who was also a committed uncle to several nephews and nieces, could regularly be seen cheering on his family at sporting events and dance recitals.
Besides his son, Harpham is survived by parents Mike and Doris Harpham; his uncle Terry and aunts Pat Harig and Nancy Bowman; his nephews Daniel, Patrick, Timothy, Michael and Nick Harpham; his nieces Katherine and Elizabeth Harpham and numerous cousins.
In an email, Harphams coworker Kerlyng Cecchini described Harpham as having always brought a joyful attitude to his work, adding “We are all devasted by this sad and irreplaceable loss.”
A memorial service took place on Oct. 20, at Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Lake Jackson, Texas, followed by a funeral service officiated by Rev. Allan Trafford.
Those wishing to provide memorial gifts or to help assist with medical and funeral expenses are invited to donate at the family’s GoFundMe page.