Chris Heinson

Christopher Douglas Heinson, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, the 8th of March 2026. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on the 20th of April 1982. He was 43 years of age.

From an early age he showed an exceptional curiosity about how things worked and a deep desire to build and understand the world around him. He often credited his maternal grandfather, a carpenter, as an early inspiration, shaping his appreciation for craftsmanship and ultimately guiding him toward engineering.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and went on to build a remarkable career in the energy industry. Known for his sharp analytical mind and passion for problem solving, Chris advanced quickly in reservoir engineering at Occidental Petroleum before leading operations for Sanchez Oil & Gas as Chief Operating Officer. Later, as CEO of Maverick Natural Resources, he guided the company through a period of extraordinary growth, tripling its size during his tenure.

Chris had a rare ability to step into complex situations, understand the underlying dynamics, and determine a clear path forward. Colleagues and friends often described him as both visionary and deeply analytical - someone who loved diving into details while always keeping sight of the larger picture.

Even more than his professional success, Chris’ greatest joy and deepest pride were his children. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Cheryll, and a loving father to Frederick, Abigail, Robert, and Nathan. His family was the center of his life.

Chris approached life with endless curiosity. He was a voracious reader who loved stories that explored the complexity of people and ideas. Flowers for Algernon was a particular favorite. He also spent countless hours reading about business, science, and military history - always driven by a desire to understand how problems are solved and how great leaders think.

He loved to explore and debate ideas with friends and family, bringing energy, humor, and insight into every conversation. Chris found peace and joy outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished time spent in nature. For him, those moments in the field or on the water were about more than sport. They were opportunities to reflect, recharge, and experience the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Cheryll; his children, Frederick, Abigail, Robert, and Nathan; his siblings, Jeanine Coggeshall (James), Jennifer Farmer (Matthew), and Andrew Heinson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his passion for solving difficult problems, his love of learning, and above all the deep devotion he had for his family and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family and to share remembrances of Chris from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 19th of March, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 20th of March, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H Lewis & Sons.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Waltrip Room.

The family will gather for a private Rite of Committal at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Small Steps Nurturing Center, reflecting Chris’ lifelong passion of early childhood education or Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption by selecting the link below under "Donations."

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.