Christopher McGinty

Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces. On the morning of Monday, June 2, 2025, Christopher J. McGinty passed away at the young age of 33. Just minutes after the day began, we received the devastating call that Chris was being rushed to the hospital after choking on his breakfast. We held out hope-believing the paramedics would be able to help him-but shortly after, we learned he was gone.

Christopher was born with severe autism and required full-time care throughout his life, yet his joy, passion, and light were never dimmed. His favorite things in life were simple but brought him immense happiness: ice-cold Dr. Pepper, McDonald's meals, good television, and a wide range of music-from rock 'n' roll to rap. He had an incredible memory and ear for music, recalling song titles, musicians, TV quotes, and phone numbers with ease. He loved school, especially reading and learning math. Though much of his communication was echolalia, Chris had the ability to read almost anything placed in front of him and found joy in writing, spelling, and solving math problems with a pen and paper in hand.

As he grew, so did the challenges related to his care, including escapism and binge-eating, common among individuals on the autism spectrum. When Chris turned eighteen, our family was faced with a heartbreaking decision. For his safety and wellbeing, he entered a state care facility in Texas minutes down the road from the immediate family on his father's side and his stepmother Jewel and family, a choice made out of deep love and the need for security. His family on his mother's side visited often, and were making plans to move him into a care facility near his mother, grandmother and immediate siblings in Oklahoma. Despite the distance that this side of the family faced, they always remained close-visiting often, calling regularly, and cherishing every connection. Despite the physical distance, everyone remained close-visiting often, calling regularly, and cherishing every connection.

Christopher brought joy to everyone who knew him. One of our earliest memories is of him pressing his face into the mesh of his baby sister's playpen to make her laugh. Even though he didn't speak much then, his heart spoke volumes. His voice, especially when saying "Bye Jessi" during phone calls, was always sweet and familiar. His mother remembers him as pure and gentle, despite the many mischievous fridge raids that left butter and eggs in the most unexpected places. His father recalls his subversive sense of humor-how Chris would only half hug him until he said "give me a real hug" or "act like you know me", and then he would laugh and give his dad a full hug.

Our dreams for Chris were filled with hope. Chris inspired some to begin working directly with individuals on the autism spectrum, helping others navigate challenges similar to those he faced. His life and spirit continue to inspire all of us in different ways. We had recently begun making plans to bring him even closer to family in Oklahoma, back near his mother and siblings, so he could be surrounded by even more of the family who loved him deeply. While he was already living near his father and paternal relatives as well as his stepmother and her family who cared for him, we were excited about the possibility of having him close to both sides of his family once again. Unfortunately, life changed course too quickly. Those dreams must now live on through memory, advocacy, and the passion he instilled in us.

Chris was deeply loved by many: his maternal grandmother remembers the excitement when she took him to the movies, running up and down the aisles of the theater after him. His sister Kindalin recalls their shared love of anime, Disney movies, and music. His stepmother Jewel and her husband Richard admired his sharp memory and loved seeing him light up when gifted special band t-shirts. Chris also enjoyed camping as a child-a memory many of us treasure.

In more recent times, he shared moments at coffee shops with his siblings, where he thoroughly enjoyed learning spelling and math whilst he enjoyed pastries and laughter. Sierra remembers carefree days in the backyard, playing in the mud, swinging, and simply being kids. His grandfather Frank and Aunt Katie recall his constant smile and the joy he found in simple games. His stepfather Brett, holds dear the memory of visiting the zoo with Chris, watching him beam with amazement at all the life around him.

We are still in disbelief that we are writing these words. The dreams we held for him-to take him to the beach and see his face when he first would see the waves, to spend holidays together, to grow older side by side-will remain unrealized. But his memory will never fade. He was the reason behind so many of our hopes, our work, and our love. Christopher was everything to us.

Chris is survived by his loving and devoted family, including his mother Melynie Gardner, father Christopher McGinty, and siblings Jessica McGinty and Kindalin McGinty. He is also survived by his grandmother Beverly Bothell, his grandfather Francis McGinty, grandmother Deborah, and several members of his blended family who loved him dearly: stepmother Jewel Grant and her husband Richard Grant, and siblings Kiefer McGinty and Sierra McGinty; stepfather Brett Gardner and siblings Autumn Gardner and Griffin Gardner.

He was very loved by his entire family, a wide circle of extended family members, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends, all of whom were touched by his spirit and light.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to their GoFundMe Page page to assist with final expenses and to help honor Jude's memory with the farewell he deserves. Your support during this difficult time is deeply appreciated.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Dr., Tulsa, OK 74145. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM. The graveside service will be held immediately after at Memorial Park Cemetery, located just next door at the corner of 51st and Memorial Dr.

In honoring Chris's life, we celebrate not only the challenges he overcame but the light he brought into our world-a light that will continue to shine in all of us who knew and loved him.