Chris Creason, 77, of Hampton passed away on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at the Sheffield Care Center in Sheffield, Iowa.
Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hampton United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in the Alexander Cemetery in rural Alexander, Iowa. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton.
Christopher David Creason was born March 17, 1949, to Jacob and Beulah Creason. He was the oldest of five siblings and took on the role of big brother well, always looking out for those around him.
Chris graduated from North Polk High School in 1967 and went on to attend Simpson College, where he met the love of his life, Jan. He graduated with his masters from Northwest Missouri State and later received a masters in administration from Drake University.
Chris and Jan were united in marriage on June 3, 1972. For 54 years, they built a life and a love that became an amazing example of what marriage is all about. Their love and commitment to one another were an inspiration to their daughters, grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing them.
Chris and Jan were blessed with two daughters, Stacia and Kelli, who were their pride and joy. Family was always at the heart of Chris’s life, and there was never any question about how much he loved his girls.
Throughout his years as a teacher, principal, youth group leader, Sunday school teacher and coach, Chris touched countless lives and made a lasting difference in the lives of so many kids. He had a gift for connecting with people and making them feel seen, valued and loved.
He could often be found singing in the halls and giving students a hard time, always with a smile and a kind heart. His loving, caring nature earned him the nickname “Mom” among his NCAA wrestling crew — a title that perfectly captured the way he looked after and cared for those around him.
Chris was proud of many titles throughout his life, but his favorite title was always Papa.
He was the proud Papa of five grandchildren, Addyson, Andyn, Aubryee, Chelsea and Calder. He rarely missed a sporting event, was always willing to take on “Papa duty,” made the best Papa sandwiches, and Hy-Vee breakfast was a guarantee when the grandkids were with him. He loved his grandchildren with his whole heart. Whether cheering from the stands, spending time together, or simply being there when they needed him, Papa made each of his grandchildren feel incredibly special.
Chris never met a stranger. He had a way of making everyone he encountered feel welcome, valued and heard as if they had known him forever. His laughter, kindness, humor and enormous heart left an impression on everyone who crossed his path.
Left to carry on his legacy of family, laughter, kindness and lots of love are his wife of 54 years, Jan; his daughters, Stacia (Keith) Grandgeorge and Kelli (Joe) Showalter; and his five grandchildren, Addyson (Darien Rabe) Showalter, Andyn (Sierra Flores) Showalter, Aubryee Showalter, Chelsea Grandgeorge and Calder Creason; his brother, Wes (Julie) Creason and sister, Cindy Adams; nieces and nephews; countless students; and friends.
He was greeted at Heavens Gates by his parents; brother, Steve; sister and brother-in-law, Bea and Bernie Draper; father-in-law and mother in-law, Elmer and Glee Belle Waltzing; bonus father-in-law, Don Mennenga; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Marilyn Tisor; great-niece, Elizabeth Noftsger; Ed Pals; and best friend, Roger McHome.
Chris leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless lives touched and a family who will forever be grateful for the love he gave so freely.
And, in true Chris fashion, when life gets hard and we aren’t sure what tomorrow will bring, we can hear him saying the words he so often shared: “The Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, we’ll all be fine come sunrise.”