Christopher Fuentes

Christopher Raymond Fuentes, 35, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on April 2nd, 2023. Christopher was born October 11, 1987, in Albuquerque, NM, to Katherine J. O’Connell and Chris C. Fuentes. Christopher is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Soledad and Manuel Fuentes. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Katherine J. and Sean P. O’Connell; his father, Chris C. Fuentes; his maternal grandparents, Rosemary and Benjamin Zambrano; and his siblings Manuel Fuentes, Brittany Ortega, Juan L. Garcia II, Andrew Benavidez, and Raymond Fuentes; his stepbrothers Justin, Cory, and Kody O’Connell; his nephews Liam Fuentes, and Colton and Koen O’Connell; and a niece, Olivia Ortega. Christopher also had a special bond with his brother-in-law, Jacob Ortega, and sister-in-law, Lenore Oviedo. Christopher also had numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that he cherished.

Since the day Christopher was born, he was destined to be a Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved football and started playing YAFL at eight years old until he graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 2006.

Prior to graduation, Christopher enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009-2010 with the 720th Convoy Security Company. Upon his return, he selflessly re-enlisted for an additional six years and completed his service to his country in 2015. Christopher then became a fire fighter in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He also decided to pursue his passion for cutting hair. He became a Master Barber in 2011 and was licensed in 5 states including New Mexico and Oklahoma.

During his time barbering and serving his country Christopher had a strong desire to serve the Lord. He enrolled at the Grand Canyon University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and graduated with Honors in 2016. Christopher was working toward a Master’s of Business Administration, also at Grand Canyon University.      

Throughout his life, Christopher cherished his mother, safeguarded his siblings, adored his family members, and honored past and present veterans everywhere. Christopher fought courageously for a country he loved, his family, and friends, in-spite of his many fears, challenges, and setbacks. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Services will be held on April 20, at 9:30 AM, at Rivera Family Funerals in Santa Fe, New Mexico. An Honors Ceremony and Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. A tribute honoring Christopher’s military service will be held at the Coffee Bunker in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 26th from 10 AM to 1 PM.