Christopher J. Coyle

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Christopher James Coyle passed quietly August 24, 2024 at the age of 68, after a 7 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Our family is heartbroken, but know he is now whole again.

Chris was born December 4,1955 in St. Louis, MO to the late James A. Coyle and the late Jane A. Preston Coyle. He is also preceded in death by loving stepmother Dolores Coyle and beloved brother Tim (Joni) Coyle. 

In his too short time here on Earth, Chris created the most loving community around him. 

Chris loved the soccer field, St. Patrick’s Day, History, and making everyone in his presence laugh as often as possible. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Coyle (nee Johnson), precious daughters Amy Coyle and Katie Coyle (Charles Flecke), loving siblings Catherine Murphy (Tim Murphy), Sandra Crihfield (Dave Richardson), adoring aunts Mary Weidner, Rita Garabedian, Addie Coyle-Wall, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends, too many to count.

A true South City native, Chris attended Our Lady of Sorrows grade school and Bishop Du Bourg High School. He went on to UMSL, where he became a beloved member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His brothers brought much joy to Chris and his family recounting stories during Chris’s final days. 

He finished his business degree at Maryville University and went on to have a successful career as a food packaging broker. He was a respected business owner in his field, his clients and coworkers became dear friends.

A skillful soccer player, Chris shared that knowledge and passion for the game as a coach with his daughters’ teams, serving as the CYC Board President, refereeing both high school and college soccer teams, as well as playing in recreational leagues well into his battle with PD. Those team mates were life long friends. 

The title Chris was most proud of was father. He so loved his two daughters. He never missed a chance to let them know how proud he was of them, and express his support as they grew into adulthood.

His PD stole bits of him slowly over the 7 year battle, but Chris remained a fighter for as long as he could. His humor was present through the end, he never missed a chance to poke fun at himself or make the perfect Dad joke. It was an honor for his family to take care of the man who took care of them so well, and to witness the love that so many people had for this special man. He is whole again, and reunited with special loved ones.

Our family is beyond grateful for the loving support we've received from so many over these last few years. We cherish every prayer, visit, call, card, gift we've received from near and far. What a true example of Christ's love shining through these remarkable individuals. 

We are also thankful for the beautiful care and compassion from multiple facilities. You are all angels.

SERVICES: There will be a Memorial Mass for Chris on Monday, September 9th at 10:00am, with lunch being served directly following at the church. **Please RSVP to the luncheon to Kelly Shillito: 314-712-7523 as soon as possible. Thank you.

Chris generously donated his brain ("they're going to need a bigger box") to Washington University Movement Disorders Center for research in the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, dystonia, essential tremor, ataxia and restless legs syndrome.  In lieu of flowers, PLEASE make a donation of your time or money to the Parkinson's organization of your choice: APDA (https://www.apdaparkinson.org), Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://give.michaeljfox.or) and others. Parkinson's Disease is now the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and can be so cruel.

Chris and Karen would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on September 3rd. But it truly only felt like 35 minutes.......<3