Christopher Martin Fenton, age 35, of Stronghurst, Ill., died Friday, March 17, 2023, in Burlington.
He was born June 25, 1987, in Burlington, the son of Martin and Cynthia Cheney Fenton. On Oct. 12, 2019, he married the love of his life, Casey Nichols, in Stronghurst. She survives.
Also surviving are his children: Briena Lee Fenton, Maxyn Christopher Fenton, Brixtyn Lee Fenton, and one, (soon to be arriving), baby boy, his mother, Cindy (Richard) Cook of Burlington, his father: Martin Fenton of Burlington, his grandmother: Judy Fenton of Burlington, one brother: Nicholas (Nicole) Fenton, of Burlington, two stepbrothers: Jason (Christina) Cook, Ryan Cook , and one step-sister: Darcy (Zach) Wibstad all of Mt. Pleasant, his in-laws: Jeff and Kathy Nichols and Kris and Diana Beals all of Stronghurst, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Darrell “Red” Fenton, Ken and Pat Cheney, and Everett and Jan Heybold.
Chris was currently employed as an HVAC technician for Oliver Tri-County Heating and Air in Danville. Previously he worked as a mechanic for Family Motors in West Burlington. He was a hardworking guy who was always willing to jump in and help anyone. He made it his mission to do one thing a day to “pay it forward” and make someone’s day brighter, though he would rarely admit that it was him. Chris always lived life to the fullest. He had the kindest heart and gave the best hugs.
He loved spending time on the river, fishing, and hanging out with his people. For many years you could find him in the pits at the local dirt tracks, helping anyone who needed it. Chris was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also loved camping, bonfires, and having get-togethers with his family and friends.
Chris’ greatest accomplishment was the family he and Casey blended to create together. He loved spending time with them. Some of his proudest moments were spent watching and cheering on Briena, his first love. He adored watching her and the rest of the Ignite Dance Competition Team, he was one of their loudest cheerleaders. He loved building forts with Maxyn and Brixtyn as well as mowing the yard and gardening with Maxyn. He loved being their dad and was looking forward to doing the same for their new son. If you asked him and Casey what their favorite things to do were, they would just say anything they could do as a family. Their love was a beautiful and one-of-a-kind connection that anyone who knew them could see.
Due to Casey being near full term in her pregnancy, a Celebration of Chris’s life, although delayed, will be announced in the near future. A memorial fund has been established for the benefit of his children. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting with arrangements. Please visit Chris’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.