Christopher Curtis Kelton

On March 28, 2024, we lost our brother, our neighbor and our sweet friend Chris Kelton. Although he had suffered a traumatic brain injury in February 2009. Chris lived a full and happy life filled with hard work and the relentless pursuit of the things that gave his life meaning. Chris very much had two parts to his life: before his injury and after his injury. Yet, he never gave up and never stopped trying to get back to Maryland and the independent and proud life that he had built there.

Christopher Curtis Kelton was born on August 19, 1968 in San Antonio, Texas to Henry “Lee” and Carolyn “Kate” Kelton who preceded him in death. Chris adored, respected and loved his parents and his family more than anything else in this world. He had many passions and accomplishments in life that he was so very proud of. Chris’ mom, Kate, worked very hard so that Chris could have a private school education and he graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas in 1986. He was very proud of his time at Jesuit. He was especially proud of his many years of membership with the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the respected rank of Eagle Scout (1986). After high school, Chris enrolled in Texas Tech University where he studied for a few years until one day when he decided to join The United States Army and serve his country just like his big brother Henry. After basic training, Chris spent time in Aschaffenburg, Germany, where he also developed a love for beer, discos, and the dream of one day brewing his own.

Chris was very proud of his service to his country, as an Army E7 Sargent 1st Class and was Desert Storm Veteran.

When his Army tour was completed, Chris headed back to finish his college education this time enrolling at Texas A&M @Canyon. He completed his College Degree in Business Accounting in 1998 and began his career. One of his proudest accomplishments was being hired by the United States Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. as an accountant. His mother’s work ethic shown through and through in Chris and he loved working and was so proud of himself. While living there, Chris bought a Brownstone House in Prince George, Maryland. Chris loved that house and worked tirelessly making his house his home with his own hard work. While in the D.C area, Chris fell in love with the dance called Tango and East Coast swing. He had a full social life spending many fun evenings with others. who also loved to dance and to socialize around their mutual love of dance. Chris became a volunteer and would take tickets at the weekly dance at Glen Echo Park, MD.

In 2009 Chris had a life changing injury, and his life was forever changed. In many ways, this part of Chris’ life required more bravery, more guts and more hard work than any he had done before.

Chris suffered a traumatic brain injury while working on his home and was hospitalized for over 180 days. Chris’ mother and sister stayed with him every minute. While Chris was in rehab to re-learn to walk, feed himself, talk, and take care of his daily needs. His Dad, Lee and older brother Henry repaired and remodeled Chris’s brownstone with the dream of returning one day. Chris never returned to his home, instead He moved back to Texas and the family cared for him. This was not easy and it was not a quick process. Chris’ work ethic helped him once again as He struggled, fought to live and his survival and recovery was an absolute miracle.

After his injury and move back to Texas, He continued to heal under the care of his mother who lovingly cared for him and worked to get the best care for Chris that she could afford. She spent the rest of her life devoted to Chris and working to be able to provide for his tremendous needs. When Kate was no longer able to care for Chris, sister Rachel stepped in and not only cared for her mother, but now became the sole caretaker of her big brother. His new home was now in Bastrop County. He spent his days talking to family and friends on the porch, exploring the beauty of the Colorado river, riding miles and miles in town and out in the country on his bicycle and working at two different local businesses until he began experiencing some new health conditions related to his traumatic brain injury.

If you met Chris, you would be forever changed by his golden shiny face and twinkling blue eyes and impish dimpled smile that went on forever. Chris was shy, but he bloomed in Bastrop County. There, amidst his welcoming new neighbors and his sister’s home cooking (and maybe a frozen pizza or two) Chris was the happiest person most people say they ever met. He was always positive and encouraged everyone else to think good thoughts and wear bright colors. These “Chris-isms” will be forever remembered and used. When you do, please remember Chris. Please remember our buddy, our brother, our neighbor and our dear friend. When you do, smile, stay positive and maybe have some Neapolitan ice cream.

*Remember to save your money

*Don’t cuss because you might forget and cuss at work

*Coffee and tea are best served at double or triple strength

*Neapolitan is the only acceptable ice cream flavor

*Remember that a 30 pack of beer is always a better deal than a 12 pack and they will both fit onto your bike with a little work

*Always work hard for your money, shop at Good Will or better yet, at government auctions where you can buy things in bulk

*Go bowling or fishing once in a while and swim when its hot out.

*Do NOT speed and always slow down way before the stop sign.

*Respect your parents and don’t forget The Episcopal Church.

*Spend time listening to your favorite bands especially Sade.

*Happy New Year

*Take things apart when you want to know how things work and don’t be afraid to do your own kind of home decorating.

*If a lawyer is needed, you might as well get three

*Everyone deserves a second change but only 3 strikes then they are OUT.

* I can mow, edge, and hedge your lawn

*Watching t.v. is never a waste and the 1970’s classics are much better than anything that is on tv now:
Try watching Benny Hill, Mork n ’Mindy, Chips and Quadrophenia.

Chris is survived by his loving sister Rachel Wren Self (Mac Russell) and his big brother Henry “Hank” Kelton., and Aunts. He is also survived by many special cousins, dear childhood friends, Lori and Mary Noel Thompson and all of his loving Bastrop County buddies.

When Chris’ mother was near death, it was Chris who comforted everyone else. Chris had the most beautiful and innocent outlook on death. He didn’t cry and let himself get dragged down with grief. He simply said, “Mom’s in heaven with her parents and brother now.” “Mom’s happy!” He handled situations with the innocence of a child and the depth of someone much wiser. He tried to cheer everyone up and always said, “it’s ok Rachel, it’s ok buddy, Let’s go fishing."

The family requests flowers to be donated through Brenda Abbott Floral Design.