On Oct. 12, 2022, Christopher George Harpham, the 48-year-old sales manager for Sunbelt Spas Manufacturing, died 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.
In 1997, Harpham gave up Midwestern living to carve out a life in Brazosport, Texas, a small community just outside of Houston. In 2001 Harpham began a 21-year career with Sunbelt Hot Tubs.
Harpham maintained a lively and active life outside of work as well, singing in his church’s choir, spending time with friends and satisfying his athletic passions. In 2010, he began jujutsu classes offered at LX Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense. By 2022, Harpham earned his black belt and began teaching others about the ancient martial art technique.
Regardless of his accomplishments, Harpham was most proud of helping bring his son, Bailey, into the world. Harpham, who was also a committed uncle to several nephews and nieces, was regularly cheering on his family at sporting events and dance recitals.
In addition to 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, Harpham’s former coworker Kerlyng Cecchini described him as bringing 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 to assist with medical and funeral expenses are invited to donate at the family’s GoFundMe page. gofundme.com/f/chris-harpham-medical-funeral-expenses.