KYLE, CHRISTOPHER SCOTT (1974 ~ 2013). The following is an obituary for Christopher Scott Kyle, former U.S. Navy SEAL. Kyle was approved for burial at the Texas State Cemetery by the Cemetery Committee.
Chief Chris Kyle (USN) tragically died on Saturday, February 2, 2013. Chris lived and died by his personal creed, “It is our duty to serve those who serve us.” Chris was one of a kind in so many ways. You could tell the difference between those who knew Chris, even if briefly, and those who knew OF Chris. The differences were simple, if they only talked about a fun-loving, humble warrior who loved his family, they heard of him. If they talked about his heart of gold and his ability to give without end, they were touched by him. It they talked about the twinkle in his eye, his hearty laugh, his ability to make you feel like you were important, and that mischievous grin where you just knew he was, “fixin’ to do something”, they really KNEW him.
Chris was a father who was able to bring an unparalleled playful spirit to his family’s home while he taught respect and honor. Every day he felt “blessed and blown away” by the gift God gave him in his children. He was a husband who loved deeply and never stopped trying. He felt his family deserved the best of him and fought tooth and nail to give them everything he had. He succeeded. He was a son and brother who brought laughter and love from the beginning. They have always been, and always will be, proud of the boy he was and the man he became.
A devout Christian, a teammate and friend, Chris had a profound effect on the lives of many. He was publicly known for being the President of Craft International, and the author of the best-selling book American Sniper. He was a Navy SEAL who served four combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere. He was awarded several medals for combat bravery, including two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor among many others. Chris is a true American hero having devoted his life to the military in active service, philanthropy and tireless support of veterans.
Chris is survived by his loving wife Taya and their two beloved children, parents Wayne and Deby Kyle, brother Jeff Kyle and wife Amy and two daughters, grandmothers, Joyce Kyle and Louise Mercer, parents-in-law, Kent and Kim Studebaker, sister-in-law Ashley Purvis-Smith, her husband, Stewart and their three sons and a daughter.
Memorial services open to the public, will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.