Obituary

Christopher Michael Penton

June 7, 1987 - May 8, 2025

Christopher Michael Penton, age 37, passed away on May 8, 2025. 

He was preceded in death by grandparents: Les Penton, MawMaw Hattie, and PawPaw Pat; uncles: Jimmy Strahan and Ben Thomas; aunts: Peggy McDonald, Brenda Busby, Janet Miller, Linda Young, and Sandy Stewart. 

Chris is survived by grandmother Geraldine Penton; parents: Michael and Lana Penton; siblings: Amber and Evan Bankston, Matthew and Seren Strahan, and Cody Terrell; nieces: Cameron Lang, Cora Jones, Saleia Strahan, and Abigail Bankston; nephews: Caelyn Strahan and Sabastian Waters, and dear friends: Gary Strahan, Sammy Crenshaw, and Alex Ingram.

Chris was born June 7, 1987, in Bogalusa, LA. He grew up in the Isabel and Oak Grove communities of Washington Parish, a thriving childhood full of family barbecues, go cart rallies, and getting waste deep in mud on a four-wheeler. Chris spent summers exploring the woods, playing neighborhood pickup games of fumbleritis and three flies in and working with his father Mike in masonry.  

Chris was a proud 2005 graduate of Franklinton High School. He was also a lifelong supporter of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers Football. In his adult life, Chris was a talented mechanic and was always willing to lend a wrench to his brother Matt or father Mike. He worked as a professional brick and block mason for over 20 years with his father.

Chris’s greatest joy was being an uncle to his six nieces and nephews. From dance recitals to “happy birthdays”; video game co-op or cheering on the Saints on Sunday; teaching them how to walk or throw a football; playing the song they didn’t know they needed to hear or just sitting to be a good listener. Chris had an incredible impact on their lives and the lives of his siblings Amber and Matt.

Chris believed in working hard every day, loyalty to family and friends, and the value of quality time with those you love. He was always willing to stand up against injustice and be there when it mattered most.  Chris will be remembered as a loving son, brother, and uncle.

Chris’s Memorial service will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa, LA. Visitation will begin at 11:00 with a service to follow at 2:00. The family is asking for donations to cover the cost of funerary services in lieu of floral arrangements.