Chris Wayne Lichte

Chris Wayne Lichte, 74, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away peacefully May 8, 2025, surrounded by family.

Chris was born April 2, 1951 in Lexington, Missouri to Herman Tempel Lichte and Constance Doris Lichte (Connie). He spent his life in service to others, from his early days in Lexington, Missouri, to his long residence in Liberty, Missouri.

Chris devoted his career to law enforcement, beginning as a police officer in Lexington, Missouri. He went on to serve three years with the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department before joining the Missouri State Highway Patrol (Troop A) on July 9, 1979, through to his retirement on August 1, 2005. His first assignment with the Patrol brought him to Platte City, where he began what would become a long and honorable career. It was also his career, that led to his long and happy marriage to his wife, Lynn. They were married on March 3, 1984. Chris served with pride and integrity in the Missouri Highway Patrol for 25 years. He was a man of quiet strength and sharp wit-calm under pressure, unwavering in principle, and always ready with a joke. His deep desire to help others guided everything he did. He touched countless lives, often in ways that went unnoticed, and once helped stop two men fleeing from a bank robbery, with the same steady determination he brought to every day.

He also had a deep love for working with his hands. A talented carpenter, Chris built each of the homes his family lived in, creating spaces filled with warmth, security, and care. In his neighborhood, he was known as the man who always showed up-mowing a yard, shoveling a driveway, or offering a helping hand, without ever needing to be asked.

Chris is survived by his wife, Laurinda (Lynn) Lea Lichte (Schollenbarger); his sons, Nathan Tempel Lichte (Jack Andrew Lichte) and Jonathan (JD) Dean Lichte; and his former wife, Kimberly Becker Vanderford, and their son, Patrick Dewayne Lichte (Tonya Leigh Lichte). He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Rutherford of Higginsville, Mo. Chris leaves behind his granddaughter, Danielle Caitlin Lichte, who brought him immeasurable pride and joy, and Sister-in-law, Sudie Decker. He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a steady, loving presence in the lives of several children he helped care for who knew him simply and affectionately as Grandpa Chris. A passionate dog lover, Chris is also survived by a few of his favorite four-legged companions: Rocky Lichte of the home, the beloved neighborhood dog Rowdy Newton and his grand-dogs Tebow and Jemma Lichte, each of whom brought him joy, loyalty, and a little bit of mischief along the way.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Chris's memory through a simple act of service or a memorial donation to Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, 8001 Longview Road, Kansas City, MO 64134. Help someone without being asked. Listen with patience. Give without expectation. And when the day is done, rest in the peace of a life well-lived. As Chris often said, "Not anymore tonight."

Matthew 25:21

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."