Chris Veley

Christopher Earl Veley, 71, of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Columbia, MO passed away on December 16, 2022, at Largo Hospital in FL with his loving wife & son by his side. He was born in Houston, TX on August 28, 1951, the son of Kelly and Elizabeth (Zebley) Veley.

Chris graduated from Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA. and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in OH. Chris also achieved the rank of an Eagle Scout. He worked as a DJ for various radio stations & Maxi's Bar in Columbia, MO until he started his career at State Farm Insurance Co. where he worked for 28 years until his retirement on June 27, 2014.

Some will remember Chris for his radio voice (aka: Country Cowboy or Chris Edwards), some as the Rock Bridge Bruins Sports announcer, some will remember him as playing Santa for all the State Farm employees children & others will remember him as the fudge man at work! Chris loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. He enjoyed cooking, Christmas baking, sharing his passion for music, sports (especially the Cardinals) & of course always had a pup in his lap, Brindle, Brie & Brody.

Chris is survived by his wife, Kim (Mueller) of Winter Haven; son, Kelly (Kim) Veley of Summerfield, FL; daughter, Tami of Columbia, MO; brothers: Richard (Tricia) Veley of Boerne, TX, Craig (Sharon) Veley of Flagler Beach, FL, Mark (Donna) Veley of Gainesville, FL & sister, Beth (Hugh) Gallagher of Pasadena, CA; grandchildren: Cody and Brandon Bowden, Jacob, Evan and Amelia Hubbard; great granddaughter, Sunnie Mae Bowden and a host of other family & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Kelly and Elizabeth Veley.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4 Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Memorial Funeral Home/Columbia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Veley family.