Christopher Wayne Cardwell

Christopher Wayne Cardwell (4/11/1976 – 2/24/2017) peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior while surrounded by family. Chris was born in Jackson and graduated from Western High School before attending Murray State University in Kentucky. He worked as a bartender, was a skilled construction worker, and owned his own lawn care business before moving to Louisiana to help with re-building efforts following Hurricane Katrina. While in Louisiana, Chris found his calling with Florida Marine Transporters where he continued to serve as a Steersman after moving back to Jackson. He was pursuing a Captain’s license when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in May 2015. Chris was an exceptional sharpshooter, avid sportsman and outdoorsman, and enjoyed laughing and weight-lifting.

Above all, Chris loved his five surviving children: Celeste Renee (16), Maryssa Faye (13), Elijah Justin (11), Owen Durham (9), and Sawyer Allen (6). Chris will be remembered for his clever humor and ingenuity, infectious smile, passion for life, love of his family and friends, and stubborn strength. Chris was preceded in death by his grandfather (John R. Gage), step-father (Philip J. Wright), and others afflicted with Leukemia that he met and found mutually inspiring. In addition to his children, Chris is survived by his grandmother Charlene Gage of Parma, grandparents Clarence and Betty Cardwell of Parma, mother Gail (Philip) Wright of Albion, father Paul Cardwell of Jackson, sisters Amy (Kevin Vincent) Cardwell of Jackson and Cindy (Brett) Fast of Tanzania, step-sister Amber (Anthony) Yanovich of Parma, and step-brother Nick (Joey) Wright of Parma, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of Chris’ life will take place Saturday, March 4th at Village Hope Church, 123 West Porter St. in Jackson, MI 49202 starting at 12pm with services at 1pm. Donations to support his children’s future will be accepted by Village Hope Church or, to help others facing blood cancers, can be made to Be The Match (bethematch.org).

Arrangements entrusted to J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224

www.jktiddfuneralhome.com.