Chris graduated from Lafayette High School (Go Bobcats!). After high school, he tried his hand at college. Subsequently, he worked for the Denver Mint and USPS. He left Colorado for the great unknown and landed in New Mexico. While there, he worked for the State of NM and ultimately became a business owner, opening his own service station. During that time, the family grew with the addition of: Erlinda, Dina, Roberta and Frank. Life eventually led him to Wichita. Where he worked for Western Auto, the City of Wichita and Burl’s Tire. Robert and Christina were added to the family. When Burl decided to close his business, Chris once again became a business owner, opening Westlink Tire Center. Frank and Robert spent many hours learning automotive mechanics at the greasy hands of “the man”. The time finally came for Chris to close his toolbox and retire. During retirement he dove into gardening and being a pet parent. If you spent any time with him, you were definitely going to be subjected to stories about; Jake, Rufus, Smokie or “the cats”. Chris was ornery as the day is long. He loved to keep us guessing and keep us on our toes. He always had a prank or trick up his sleeve. His 12 sisters and brothers have some great stories about growing up with him. He loved watching football, especially his Denver Broncos! Chris loved his family immensely, especially his children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Rose Barajas; daughter, Geraldine Barajas; siblings, Cadie Borrego, Jenny Aragon, Ted Barajas, Joe Barajas, John Barajas, and Max Barajas.
Chris is survived by his wife of 40 years, Francis “Fran”; daughters, Erlinda (Juan) Molina of New Mexico, Roberta (Randy) Pacheco of Missouri and Christina Ramirez of Kansas; sons, Frank Barajas of Kansas and Robert “Baja” (Shae) Barajas of Kansas; sisters, Ruth (Lou) Calvo, Mary Lou (Dave) Pierce, and Carmelita Barajas; brothers, Gabe (Sue) Barajas, Mike (Lorie) Barajas, and Rufus (Rhonda) Barajas; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 7 furry grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
A come and go visitation with family present, will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 3rd, at Lakeview Funeral Home.
The Celebration of Life Service for Chris, will occur at 10:00 AM, Friday, October 4th, at Lakeview Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery in the Garden of Veterans, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Chris's memory can be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67219.
