Christopher Brandon Wasser

Christopher's life tribute video can be viewed at the following web address: http://www.rnfilms.com/Dengel/Wasser.htm Christopher Brandon Wasser was born January 14, 1983, in Overland Park, Kansas. He was the first of four children born to Scott A. and Cynthia 'Candy' Hoch Wasser. His siblings are Nicholas W., Katie B. and Emily R., of the home. His maternal grandparents, Philip E. and Roslyn G. Hoch of Wichita, Kansas; Elaine K. Hoch, aunt, of Wichita; Debbie Summers, aunt, and her husband, Huntley, and children, Stephanie and Blake, of Overland Park, Kansas, also survive Chris. His paternal grandparents, Albert and Rose G. Wasser, precede him in death. In January of 1989, Christopher moved with his family from Overland Park to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, where he made his home, until he was killed in action in Husaybah, Al-Anbar Province, Iraq, on Thursday, April 8, 2004, at the age of twenty-one years. In early childhood, Chris never did anything until he could do it well, and when he achieved it, he ended it with a big grin. He enjoyed paintball, video games and role-playing games. He would dress in 'camies' and take command with his walkie-talkies. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 2001, where he participated in power weight-lifting and the Marching, Concert, and Jazz Bands. His faith was quiet, but deep. His favorite scriptures are Joshua 1:9 and John 3:16-18. He was a member of Cub Scout Troop 3079 and Boy Scout Troop 77. He was employed at China Palace and thoroughly enjoyed working there and meeting people. Chris was very proud, poised, personable and polite. Ever the analyzer of his team, he could motivate people with his sudden intensity and then find the lighter side of the situation. His closest friends are LCpl. Adam Wadkins, USMC, and Derrick Larcom, of Ottawa. Their friendship was special because they knew what each other was thinking and feeling, before anyone spoke a word. His best friend in the Corps is Cpl. Kyle Lightfoot, of Minnesota. Chris had a special friend, Stacy Dryden. The letters they wrote to each other were signed with a box, where they would kiss goodbye. Christopher served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman with the Third Battalion Regimental Combat Team 7 Lima Company 3rd Platoon attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He began basic training on September 11 of 2001, and graduated on the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, at MCRD, San Diego, California. In March of 2002, he was stationed at Twentynine Palms, California, and deployed to Kuwait in January of 2003, as one of the first waves going into Iraq the following March. He spent most of his time in Karbala, Iraq, providing security and stabilization operations. His fellow Marines greatly admired his selflessness and his resolve to do things right. His 'brothers' knew he would watch their back. Ottawa High School honored him in October of 2003 at the homecoming football game, noting his Expert Rifle Marksmanship achievement. All who loved Chris will miss his listening ear and good counsel. He will be remembered for his big brotherly hugs and as the proper Marine at full attention. Chris's family feels that he knew himself before he died and did what he had to do. If he could say goodbye, he would say 'Have fun, be safe, and all that whooyah', Love Chris.' SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Ottawa University Chapel 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2004. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Henry A. Roberts, Jr. and Rev. Kent Mathews. IN STATE: Friends may call at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Friday, where the family will meet with friends 6 to 8:00 Friday evening. His casket will remain closed. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Lance Corporal Wasser Memorial Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.