“I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My Bubba you'll be.
Life story
Christopher Scott Horning Jr. tragically left this world and our lives on January 7, 2024. He was born on September 10, 2004 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO to parents Ellen Ingraham and Chris Horning. Christopher immediately became a force for good in this world. His arrival initiated positive life changes in his young parents and their family. Christopher gave all who loved him a new purpose in life and a reason to live for the good each and every day.
From his early childhood, Christopher’s energy was endless and his laughter contagious. He knew just how to make a positive connection to all he met through his endearing smile and warm presence. Christopher cherished his time with his family. He enjoyed one-on-one time with his grandparents and parents. Christopher thrived in deep conversations about life, love, and the challenges this world presents. He highly valued the relationships fostered with his step-parents and stepsister, Cicily. Despite the official title, Christopher loved them as true parents and sister. To his many cousins, Christopher was more of a big brother, friend, and leader they all looked up to. But the role of big brother he most cherished was to Walton, his brother of 12 years younger. Despite their age difference, they always interacted just as any two brothers would. Christopher and Walton’s brotherly connection was palpable to all who watched them play, argue, tussle, and just cuddle on the couch together. Christopher was and always will be Walton’s hero.
At an early age, Christopher’s athleticism and love for sports quickly became apparent. He found sports to be a great outlet and often an escape from the complexities of growing up and the challenges of adolescence. His parents let him explore his talents in soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and finally in his 7th grade year, football. And it was football where Christopher found his true passion.
From the time he first donned the football pads, Christopher fell in love with the sport. At just 12 years old he would wake up early before school and lift weights, dampening the weight racks with his socks in order to not wake others in the house. Christopher was also drawn in to the brotherhood that football can bring to a young man. He cherished the camaraderie that quickly developed between he and his teammates through the sacrifices made on the field and in the weight room. In high school, Christopher fulfilled his dream of playing football as a linebacker for the same team his father played for - Columbine. Christopher was the epitome of a Columbine Rebel. He tuned his body and mind to be the best football player he could be for his teammates, his coaches, and his school. His grit and determination to fight through injuries and out work others around him provided a shining example to his fellow teammates.
This past fall, Christopher had excelled as a freshman linebacker for Colorado Mesa University. He quickly earned the trust and respect of his fellow Mavericks and coaches. Due to his constant drive to perform at the highest level possible, the CMU coaches pulled his red-shirt status and he finished out his season as a true freshman.
Christopher loved the Lord. He enjoyed attending church with his family and his friends. When faced with challenges and difficult circumstances, Christopher knew where to turn. When writing his goals, Christopher would begin with “None of this is possible without GOD”. He had recently shared with his parents a Bible verse that had become his favorite. Christopher would want all of us who now grieve his loss to find solace in these sacred words:
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11
2 years ago today - the memory is fresh in my mind. You and Payton were together attending different prospect camps for college. Competing and supporting each other - like peas and carrots. I said let me take your picture and as always you replied “yes ma’am “ . My heart is so sad that you are gone and that you can’t continue on this journey with Payton. No one understood and loved football like you two did.
Think about you each and every day. 🤍
One of my favorite memories I had with you was sitting in our dorm listening to Zach Bryan’s Album debut. That night we shared so many deep and personal things about ourselves and I expressed things that i never shared to anyone but you. The bond and trust we built was stronger than any relationship I’ve had in my entire life and will be forever grateful for the person you’ve made me become. I don’t consider you a friend I consider you my brother, my equal, and most importantly someone who i looked up too.
I’ve had so many great memories with you Chris. Whether it was playing ball with me when I was little, golfing with you and Dillon, or you giving us advice on girls and life. Love you chris. I miss you a lot.
Nephew, I can't believe you've been gone now for 3 months. I miss how happy your mom was when you were near her, or in the same room as you, even just talking about you. I miss the way my boys looked up to you....
I personally miss your humor. I miss that I could never have a serious conversation with you. You wouldn't let me. Your humor got in the way almost every time. Every time I saw you or talked to you, every time, you always asked how I was doing. And without hesitation, you always told me you loved me before our goodbyes. Everyday, I miss the freedom of my chance to tell you how proud I was of you. Whether it was a good grade, a good play, an award, or something simple. My last text to you before seeing you for the holidays was asking if you were ok after your concussion. Your reply was a genuine Christopher reply, "just some light, mom didn't raise no pussy. All good."
My hopes right now: I hope you know how proud of you we are. I hope you know how much you are missed. I hope you are watching over your mom.... And if you are, then that means you know how hard this has been on her. This seems like an impossible journey. Any help buddy... any at all... send it. I love you.
Chris' funeral tribute
Manor House Video
