Christopher Zalin Wetzel

We regretfully announce the passing of Christopher Zalin Wetzel, 47, of Smithville, Missouri. Chris passed away on June 6, 2022.  Chris was born to Ronald and Joyce Wetzel on June 3, 1975 in North Kansas City, Missouri.

  An independent and vibrant personality from the beginning, Chris was an excellent student and loved to play baseball throughout his youth.   At the age of 11, Chris became an avid boy scout earning his Eagle Award in 1993; a member of the hardway warrior tribe of Mic-O-Say.  Chris is a graduate from Excelsior Springs High School and immediately went on to study Engineering at the University of Missouri Kansas City. He was a loyal Delta Chi fraternity brother and served as Vice President and Treasurer twice.  Chris had lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers playing a role in weddings, welcoming children, and often led in organizing activities to ensure they connected often.  Chris worked for various companies over the years as a civil/electrical engineer most notably Automatic Systems Inc.  He greatly enjoyed the company of his coworkers and traveling to various work sites.

Chris lived a full and vibrant life with more friends than you could count.  Anyone who knew Chris, knew that he loved spending time with his family and friends bowling, golfing, camping and canoeing and was at the center of gatherings playing music and cards.  He had a playful smile and infectious laugh that drew others to him.  Chris had an immense passion for our local baseball and football teams and would spend his Sundays watching the Nascar races.  He spoiled and loved to be ornery to all the children in the family; his nephew Kepler, niece Skyler and his cousin’s daughter Zoey.  Chris’s family and friends will miss him more than words can say. 

Chris, beloved son is survived by his parents Ronald and Joyce Wetzel, his sister Ginger (Ryan) Howell, nephew Kepler, niece Skyler and a host of beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.  Chris is predeceased by grandparents Charles and Grace Wetzel, and Norma (John) Donnelly.

Services will be held at Rayville Christian Union Church, 14459 Hwy C, Rayville, MO 64084 on July 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  The family requests that flowers be sent to Rayville Christian Union Church, 14459 Hwy C, Rayville, MO 64084. Donations toward funeral services can be sent to the parents via venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/Joyce-Wetzel.