I remember a day years ago that a hungry stray kitty showed up at Chris Madrid's. I brought a cage to take her home. Chris came up to me and said, "God Bless You". He was concerned about the poor little kitty. That made a huge impression on me. Most people just look away but he didn't. He was a man with a kind heart. Bless you, Chris.

San Antonio won't be as Tasty without out the wonderful Flavor of Chris in the mix.

My heart goes out to the Madrid family, and my prayers go out to all of you. Chris was a great guy, and was always seemed to love life so much. God Bless you Carolyn and keep you in his loving care...

Thank You Chris for making the best burgers I've ever had. God Bless you and your family.

Chris Madrid's is a magical place. I have watched it grow and change through the years, from my first visit when Jay Buzzini took me there in 1980, through my most recent visit the day after Christmas 2011 when I was in town visiting family. I spent many, many afternoons sitting on that patio (now part of the restaurant)with my friends Barbie, Melinda and Sarah, drinking iced tea (and later margaritas!) and playing Brown Eyed Girl on the jukebox, over and over again. Chris would always ask us, "Don't y'all have anything better to do??" No Chris, not when you created such a wonderful and welcoming space to hang out in. My heart goes out to Carlos and Diana, and the rest of Chris' family, as I know how devastating the loss of a sibling is. Especially one as special as Chris. He will be so greatly missed. And I am so glad you will keep the restaurant going in his honor. I look forward to frequenting it for many years to come. God bless.

Warmest and deepest condolences from all your friends at St. George Episcopal School - you are remembered very fondly!

Our deepest sympathy to Carolyn and the entire Madrid family. Chris will always be known as a fun loving and devoted person, one who loved his family and our community. There were no strangers to Chris...for anyone meeting him quickly became his friend. God has a special place in Heaven for people like Chris. He will be missed by all.

Diana,Carlos and the Madrid family. We all met when Chris had just opened back in 1977. Thanks for all the great memories, smiles and great food! You guys made us all feel like family...Love Allen and Brother Tim.

I am so sorry for your loss, i was so surprised to hear of Chris' death. i still remember when i use to walk across the street after school to get my chalupas, my favorite, hope everyone is ok

I WENT TO LEE WITH CHRIS; WE WERE "THE SQUAT." SITTING ON THE CURB IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE, HIS DAD WOULD SAY "ALL YOU GUYS DO IS SQUAT." HENCE "THE SQUAT" 
 I WILL SURELY MISS CHRIS AND HIS INFECTIOUS SMILE. WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER AGAIN....GOD BLESS YOU CAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE WITH HIM.......ED

Carolyn,Carlos,and Diana, 
My whole family wraps their arms around you in your grief. 
Chris was always a sunny spot in my life.Eventhough he went to Texas with my brother Randy,I met him on my own.One of our early experiences was drinking through a rain storm when the resutrant was very new.We had to put our feet up on one of those cable tables becuase the water got about 6 inches deep running through the parking lot. 
My son Chris got his 1st car on his 16th. birthday at Chris Madrid's.As we were eating burgers I told him to look at the parking lot(now the patio)and try to guess which car was his birthday present. 
Our whole family loved your family. What a gift you"ll have been to San Antonio.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Chris was an icon who shared his love of life and good food. He will be missed but not forgotten. Mike and Liz Griffin, McKinney TX

Chris,Diana, and Carlos, I was fortunate enough to know you guys you'll since about 1980. Chris made me feel like family since back then. Diana you also made me feel special. My neice Ursee still remembers you Diana!!! You all always made me feel special and your food was, is and always will be out of this world. Chris you touched me in a way no other resturant owner could; like family! Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Danny and Ursee!

Our condolences to the Madrid family. Chris and his dad would enjoy an ice cold beer at our bar...and we'd enjoy the tostada burger at his joint. He will be greatly missed.

My condolences to the Madrid family. Chris was such an inspiration, and also was a great boss to his employees. He will be greatly missed!

Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the family. 
Ed and Terry Hollas

Chris was such a kind and gentle man. We will all miss that smile. His passing leaves a hole in the lives of all who ever knew him.

I will truly miss Chris. I met Chris in the restaurant in 1993-94. Besides loving the burgers, as my wife and I do and visit there almost every trip to SA, I will especially miss my visits with him in the restaurant talking about UT football. He was a rabid fan as am I. Chris was really a wonderful person and San Antonio has lost a unique individual. Hook em Horns Chris!

Extending heartfelt sympathy. And hoping that you know that others care more deeply than these words can ever show. I am so sorry about Chris, Carylon, may God give you and your familly peace. He will be missid. Betty P. Stevenson 
 & Family

Carolyn and family. I am truly sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy, Scott Cruger

Dear Carolyn, I don't know if you'll remember me, but I remember you and Chris from high school and want to send my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on Chris' passing. Such a shock and sadness is almost beyond words. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that others care and find strength in the wonderful memories you shared. It has been many years since we saw each other, but fond memories of good people stay with you always. I wish you strength, blessings and peace. 
Lisa Alter Abramson

My deepest sympathy to the Madrid family. I am very sadened by our loss. Many blessings and God's grace to you all.

I remember when Chris first opened. I was in the 10th grade at Edison HS. I remember him taking our order every time we ate there. His place is two blocks from my house. We also met there when we were planning our reunions. Thank you Chris for the great food and ambience. You are greatly missed!!

Chris was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. I've known him since our high school days at Robert E. Lee. A remarkable guy with a pure spirit! We will miss you but see you again some day! My deepest sympathies are extended to the entire Madrid family.

Our deepest and sincere condolence to the Madrid family. We were blessed in knowing Chris Madrid. He had a way in making each person feel special. Was alway glad to see everyone. Thank you for sharing Chris Madrid with the community. He WILL be missed dearly.

From all of our hearts to you for a life long friendship. We are all thinking of you and all the fun times. 
Robin,Lisa, Jon and Jennifer,Susan and Quinten, and Sam and Jane Delmer

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Madrid as one of his vendors, I will never forget what a kind man he was. He always greeted me with a smile and never let me leave without asking me how my children were doing. Such a great man with a kind heart. May he rest in peace.

so sorry for ur lost he was a great man boss to me for 16 years.will be miss may god be with u all in this time of need.god bless all of chris madrid family

With sincerest sympathy and love. 
Elaine Honigblum Kaufman and Tom

my deepest sympathy goes out to the madrid family, i met chris many times at the restaraunt, everytime he saw me, he stopped what he was doing, and came over to shake my hand with a smile. the family of san antonio is very bleesed to have had him in our life. rest in peace my freind...

Chris was a lovely, decent man and it was always a pleasure to go to his wonderful restaurant. We will miss his affable presence, his wonderful smile and the goodness that he radiated to all who encountered him.

Chris, we are all lucky for the times we shared with you and after 50 years of friendship you will be missed! Give Billy a hug for me. God Bless the Madrid family you are all in my prayers.

My condolences to all the Madrids. Chris was such a gentle soul. It was always a pleasure to see him. Our lives were enriched by his friendship and his kindness. 
We will cherish his memory and keep all of you in our prayers.

I hope that one day it be of some comfort that Chris is in a better place and that he is watching over over you. My heart goes out to you and the entire family during this difficult time.

My prayers & thought are with the Madrid family and Employees of Chris Madrids. Me and my family are customers of Chris Madrids and his memory will live on thru the restaurant, which he cherished and loved. RIP chris and thanks for leaving us a great memory of you. MACHO BURGERS!

Thank you, You will be missed, my prayers are with the Family!

Truly a great man, who will be missed by all.

Carlos, Sorry for the loss of your Brother Chris .You and your family are in our prayers. 
Eichard and Tila Albrecht

Our heart felt condolences and our heart felt prayers. 
May Chris rest in heavenly peace.

Rest In Peace Chris, A very true soul will be missed. sloan

Thanks for the good times and the ready smile.

Chris had a sparkle in his eye for everyone. He enjoyed life and brought joy to many. We know his family will continue his ways. Chari & Hugh Morris 
Personal Growth Center

My father will be in the receiving line in heaven congratulating Chris on a life that brought joy to countless people, including the citizens of Kumamoto, Japan. Deepest condolences to the entire family.

My deepest sympathy to the Madrid family. Mr. Madrid was a wonderful person. We once ran into him on our vacation in New Oreleans. He was so gracious and spent some time talking with us about the restaurant. He leaves behind a legion of loyal friends who remember how generous he was with his time and talents. May he rest in Peace.

Carolyn, I was sorry to hear of your loss. Chris was a good man and will be remebered by all of his classmates at Lee.

My days of growing up with Chris and Billy were golden. I have so many fond memories of Chris that I can only smile despite my extreme sadness. Chris loved life and passed this on to everyone he knew - including me. He will be missed by everyone that ever knew him - of that, I am sure. My deepest condolences to the entire Madrid family.

You will be missed by everyone. You were a great neighbor growing up and even a better friend. God will welcome you home. Prayers to the Madrid family. The Peterson's and Treutle's

I'm still in shock. RIP Buddy.Tell Billy Berchelman hello for us all.

My deepest condolences to the entire Madrid Family. Chris was a dear friend and a very loyal and passionate customer to all of us at Butter Krust Bakery for many years. He is definetly a "Hall of Fame" restaurateur and family man.

He was a longtime good friend. He will be greatly missed by everyone. God Bless his family.

Our deepest condolences to the family. Chris was a great man and will be greatly missed by all. We will miss seeing him on our weekly visits. Arthur P. Veltman & Assoc. 
Connie Orr 
Budd Orr

Many of us knew Chris all the way back to the old school days and we always went by to get our burger & see Chris, never to busy to stop and visit for a few minutes. I only got to see him a half dozen times over the last several years, but always had a hug and smile. One word, Genuine; to his family,friends,his work,his neighbors. I will miss my friend, my heartfelt prayers for his family and to those who loved him

Thank you Mrs. Carolyn Madrid for having shared Chris selflessly through all these years with the community. He was to many of us more than just the guy that served the best burger off Blanco Rd. & Hildebrand. When the "Madrid Three" began their humble business of selling tacos and hamburgers from their simple walk up abode in the late 70's, who would've imagined their gradual success? Their recipe for success was not just their delicious burgers, it was Chris's, Carlos's, and Diana's ever ready smiles, sincere conversation, personable, warm, and openness in making "you" feel like family. Not only did they embrace their customers with their grace, many of us returned it in kind. Three generations later when I visit S.A., my eight year old grand-daughter anticipates our visit to Chris Madrid's for our guilty pleasure and indulgence on the Macho Nacho's & Tostada Burger. I don't feel that the "Madrid Three" ever realized that it was because of their's, including their loyal team's friendly nature, that the food tasted better and it was how he/they built it-and we followed. R.I.P. Chris and you will be missed...

Dear Madrid family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your Beloved. Chris was a man with a kind heart that seemed to always have a smile for everyone. His kindness was open to all no matter their station in life. Many years ago, I approached him asking that he act as a reference for one of his patrons who sought housing as his current residence was that of a slum. Chris did not hesitate to sign the form. Years later when this patron passed with no family to attend his paupers funeral; Chris was there as were Mr. John Valentine and I. I read this poem that day and share it again in honor of Chris Madrid. No man is an island, 
Entire of itself. 
Each is a piece of the continent, 
A part of the main. 
If a clod be washed away by the sea, 
Europe is the less. 
As well as if a promontory were. 
As well as if a manor of thine own 
Or of thine friend's were. 
Each man's death diminishes me, 
For I am involved in mankind. 
Therefore, send not to know 
For whom the bell tolls, 
It tolls for thee. He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and his family. I was lucky enough to have known Chris since high school and I must say it was impossible to have a bad day or be mad when Chris was near. His enthusiasm for life, joy and laughter was contagious and shared by all. 
God Bless.

Hey Chris......sorry you had to leave us early........ 
take care up there. See you again down at Port A.one of these days. My condolences to the Madrid family. Kent

I have known Chris since the fifth grade through high school, such a wonderful guy. 
My thoughts and prayers go out to Carolyn and family. God bless you.

Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am about Chris's passing. He was a tremendous inspiration to all of us and I was very fortunate to have him as a friend for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. He will be truly missed

In the late 70's & early 80's when I was just starting my radio career at 99.5 KISS, I lived just on the other side of the tracks from Chris Madrid's. Needless to say it was great to feel like family in the presence of Chris and family. He's now rockin' in the big arena! 
Tom "T-Bone" Scheppke 
X1067

Chris, your smile, genuinely enthusiastic welcome, your great laugh, will be truly missed. You will always remain in the hearts of so many you have touched. It's comforting to know you and Billy will be together again. My deepest condolences to all the Madrid family. God Bless you! 
"Class of 69 is Fine!"

We have been customers since 1981, when we first moved to SA. Every time we saw Chris (which was often -- he was a "hands on" boss), he greeted us with a big smile and a comment like, "I'm so glad to see you again!", as if he remembered us PERSONALLY. He probably didn't, but it sure felt good, anyway. We watched the business grow and the quality stay top-of-the-line. CM has always been our go-to place for birthdays, out-of-town guests, or just any old time we wanted the BEST burgers. We extend our deepest condolences to you on this incredible loss, but also celebrate with you his exceptional life here on earth and his eternal life in God's presence. Bless you all.

my sincere condolences to all the family. I was very lucky to have known Chris since high school and through my cousins. He will be missed!

Diana, 
Please extend our condolences to your family. It is always difficult to lose a loved one. May peace come to you and your family by knowing that your brother was loved very much by many people. Take care and God Bless. Maria De La Cruz & Richard Hernandez

To the family of my friend, Chris Madrid; Our friendship goes back to 1966-67, I was at AHHS, Chris was at Lee. Some of the lads at AHHS & I started the "Mystic Knights of the Grand Cavera", a secret fraternity, and Billy & Chris were the only outsiders to join our club, why, because they were "cool", we all spent a lot of high-school quality time together in SA @ "OB's" & Port "A". I will never forget those years. Over the decades I would drift into Madrid's when I was in town, and never ever was there not a smile on Chris's face, he never forgot....it was a wild ride with a good friend and I know those of us that are left raised a cold beer & a cheese burger yesterday, to the best of us!

My family and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Madrid family. God bless you!

Years ago, my family and the Madrid family did a six-week counseling together with the same counselor. My family was receiving grief counseling over the death of our son, Nathan (who also died on the 11th) I believe the Madrid family wanted to work on achieving better communcation. I remember applauding their efforts to keep family peace and unity, and they offered me words of comfort at the loss of my son. Now, years later, (I haven't forgotten that time) and would like to return words of consolation in the of loss of their dear son, Chris. God bless you all and may your family be united one day in Heaven with the greatest Counselor of all. Respectfully, 
Ms Anita Matthews

My deepest sympathy and prayers for your family. You truly never met a stranger and made everyone that visited you at your "burger joint" feel like family.

I knew Chris many years ago, in the early 70's. He was always a dreamer & visionary, and full of energy. San Antonio will miss his smile.

Goodnight Chris. I can't believe I will not see your beaming smile or hear your distinctive voice say, "Barb!" as you greeted me every time we saw each other since we were teens. You and that smile lit up every room you entered and the hearts of all those around you. I miss you already. To the Madrid family and Chris's friends, my heart breaks for you ... he was taken too young, too soon ... God's plans are hard for us to weather sometimes. This is one of those times.

My condolonces to the Madrid's on the loss of Chris. I have been a customer for well over twenty years and will miss his presence.

He was a wonderful man will truly be missed by all. We will keep him in our prayers

Sending lots of love to the Madrid family during this time.

from Lamentations 3 I remember my affliction and my wandering,the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORDs great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (verses 19-26) For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction 
or grief to anyone. (verses 31-33)

To Chris' family: we have been friends from way back and what a great person Chris was. He loved everyone and will be in your hearts forever. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. We will miss that great smile.

I am so sorry to hear about Chris' death, especially so soon after Mr. Madrid. I will remember Chris and the family on Anne Lewis in my prayers.

Diana, I have missed you and know how dear Chris was to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will rest in peace with the Lord. Love you 
Rosa Baker 
St. Luke's Episcopal School

Carolyn, Carlos, Diana, My family and I are broken hearted for you all. Please know you are blanketed in our prayers. 
We rejoice with you in knowing you WILL see him again. We love you guys- Debbi, Weezie, Bobby & Mac Chesney

One of the most likeable, sincere people I have ever met. May the light perpetual shine upon him. I am blessed to have known him. Prayers for Carolyn, Lisa and Michael and the rest of the family

My deepest sympathy to The Chris Madrid family.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Chris Madrid.May God give you comfort during this time of sorrow.

OBITUARY

Chris Madrid

October 12, 1950 – March 11, 2012

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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