Christopher Alan Stong

Christopher “Chris” Alan Stong, 59, of Huntington, Indiana passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 at Garden Villa in Bloomington. He was born on December 31, 1957, the son of Alan Leon and Mary Ruth (Mulligan) Stong. Chris graduated from Huntington North High School in 1976. He worked several places in Fort Wayne and Huntington, including Triad-Utrad, Fruehaf, Teco, Stellhorn Photo, Community Harvest, Terex, and Habitat for Humanity Restore. He later graduated from IPFW Purdue with a degree in general studies and a concentration in journalism. Chris enjoyed photography, writing, music, movies, working with computers, cameras, and video recorders, solving mechanical problems, motorcycles, fast food, the Chicago bears, Spider Man, and big smooth-riding cars. He was a friend of Bill W. and had a deep love for their mutual friends. In keeping with his dedication to being a trickster, he passed away at high noon Friday the 13th with Neil Young’s “Harvest” album playing in the background. He was a ham and a camera-hog. He was rebellious, mischievous, compassionate and always sensitive. He was brave enough to talk back and speak out. He was introspective to a fault. He saw the value in almost everything, and had a hard time letting go of objects that were useful. He was a generous and playful uncle to his nieces and nephews, and his reputation as the Uncle Chris, while darkened with mental illness, was legendary. His love for them was endless although he was unable to show it. His life was changed forever when he adopted his dog Pee Wee, who went everywhere with him. His demeanor became clearly more positive and loving with Pee Wee by his side. He was heartbroken when he was unable to be with him. The last few years of his life were difficult and beautiful. He was in a wheelchair following neurological damage and depended on others for things he hadn’t had to before. He suffered memory loss and some damage to his mind. But his mood became kinder and sweeter, and he developed rich relationships with friends and caretakers. Chris is survived by his brother, Tom (Sue) Stong, sisters; Deb Shenfeld, and Mary (Jo) (Brier Frasier) Stong, several nieces and nephews, and his life-changing dog, PeeWee. He was preceded in death by his parents. Chris’s family would like to extend a thank you to which goes beyond words to the staff of Garden Villa in Bloomington. The spirit in which they did their work for Chris and his family was tireless, reverent, respectful, hilarious, and always loving. The spiritual and emotional comfort extended to both Chris and his family was unforeseen and so very appreciated. It was obvious that he was well-loved, and his family is more grateful than they could ever know. The staff of Warsaw Meadows is held in similar regard, and the family credits them for saving Chris’s life. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Bailey-Love Funeral Home, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington and Bailey-Love Funeral Home, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington have been entrusted with arrangements. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to the family at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Christopher Alan Stong

December 31, 1957 - January 13, 2017