William Christopher "Chris" Monroe

William Christopher "Chris" Monroe, beloved father, grandfather, brother, Army veteran, outdoorsman, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Lincoln Meadows Senior Living Community in Parker, Colorado, at the age of 79.

Chris was born on February 7, 1947, in Carbondale, Illinois, to William Henry Monroe and Fern Leathers. As the oldest of five children, he grew up in Carbondale, Illinois, where he was admired by his siblings and surrounded by a large and loving family that instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, family, the outdoors, and finding joy in life's simple moments.

After graduating from Carbondale High School, Chris proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. He was honorably discharged as a Specialist 5 and earned Expert Marksman recognition. Following his military service, he attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions before embarking on a civilian career dedicated to public service.

Chris spent most of his career with the State of Illinois, beginning at Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Illinois. After starting his family, he moved to Springfield, Illinois, where he continued his work at Lincoln Correctional Center. Throughout his career, he believed in treating people with dignity while encouraging responsibility, accountability, and the opportunity for a better future. He firmly believed that mistakes did not have to define a person's life and that recreation, rehabilitation, and hope could help people find a better path forward. He took the opportunity to spend a year of his life traveling as a caddie on the LPGA Tour, combining his love of golf and strong support of women’s sports with the chance to see more of the country. After a move to the Chicago suburbs, to stay close to his daughters, he worked until retirement as a Cook County Correctional Officer, where he quietly continued the belief that accountability and rehabilitation could go hand in hand.

Chris and Cathy (Saxenmeyer) Ritter were blessed with two daughters, Caroline and Cassie. While life took different paths over the years, the greatest joy of Chris's life was being a father. His girls remained the center of his world, and he never stopped showing them how deeply they were loved. His pride in them only grew as they became women, and later, as they became mothers themselves, he found even greater joy in being "Pop."

To those who knew him, Chris was kind, steady, dependable, and quietly generous. He was the kind of person who showed his love through his actions. He took pride in caring for others, never missed an opportunity to encourage the people he loved, and had a remarkable way of making those around him feel important. His daughters and granddaughters always knew they were deeply loved, supported, and safe.

An avid outdoorsman, Chris found peace and joy in fishing, golfing, camping, bird-watching, hiking, and simply being in nature. Whether casting a line at sunrise, walking a wooded trail, or enjoying a day on the golf course, he believed life's best moments came from doing what you love. He had an adventurous spirit, an infectious sense of humor, and a playful personality that made ordinary days memorable.

Chris took pride in the little things. He believed in taking care of himself, carrying himself with quiet confidence, and approaching each day with a positive outlook. Those who knew him will remember his familiar earth-toned fishing shirts, his appreciation for a beautiful morning outdoors, and his unwavering enthusiasm for celebrating the accomplishments of the people he loved.

Chris is survived by his daughters, Caroline Barney (Benton Barney) and Cassie Santana (Santiago Santana); his cherished granddaughters, Vivian Barney, Saria Santana, and Iza Santana; his mother, Fern Leathers; his sisters, Cindy Monroe and Cheryl Mueller; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Henry Monroe, and his siblings, Cathy Monroe and Charles "Chuck" Monroe.

Chris's greatest legacy is not found in the titles he held or the positions he worked. It is found in the way he made people feel. He made his loved ones feel safe. He made them feel important. He made them feel loved. They will carry forward a lifetime of laughter, adventures, unwavering love, and gratitude for a man who chose them every single day.

Funeral services announced by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) in support of research, education, and support for families affected by Lewy body dementia at Lewy Body Dementia Association.