Chris Routledge

(From Parker Mortuary)

Chris Routledge passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after a long illness. His wife, mother, and sisters were by his side. The son of Dan and Beth Routledge, Chris was born March 6, 1981, in Ivory Coast, West Africa. He attended Joplin High School.

Chris loved music, nature, and travel. These themes guided his career and numerous adventures. He spent much of his working life in sales across various industries, including managing a series of music stores in Joplin; Rogers, AR; Topeka, KS; and San Jose, CA. He worked in several national parks including Yellowstone, Big Sky, and Olympic. He also had an entrepreneurial streak and, along with a business partner, he ran Trailer Swift, a photo booth company in Columbia, MO. Chris really enjoyed attending concerts with his friends and family. A world traveler, he met his wife Noi on a trip to Thailand. 

Chris's father, Dan Routledge, preceded him in death. Chris is survived by his wife, Noi Routledge and two children, King and Ariya. Other survivors include his mother, Beth Routledge of Joplin, MO, and his four siblings, Kelli Price and her husband Joseph of Anderson, MO; Kassi Raboin and her husband Adam of Olathe, KS; Clay Routledge and his wife Jenny of Fayetteville, AR; and Kerri Miller and her husband Jason of Bella Vista, AR. His nieces and nephews loved him as their "Crunkle."

The family would like to recognize his close circle of friends who showed up for him in so many ways throughout his life and especially during his year-long fight for more time. Chris was always the life of the party. If you were lucky enough to hang out with him, you were guaranteed to laugh, likely to sing, and there was a good chance you would dance until dawn. 

He lived big, loved deep, played hard, and may have singlehandedly kept the Range Line Rd 7 Brew Coffee in business. There were highs and lows, but he packed an enormous amount of life in his short 45 years and will be deeply missed by so many.

There will be a visitation for family and friends at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 5 to 7pm.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.