Christopher Guardado Jr., "Little Chris"

Christopher Guardado Jr, lovingly known as “Little Chris,” was born on July 17, 2009, and passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 16. Though his time on this earth was far too short, the impact of his life was immeasurable.

Little Chris lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that brought him daily pain and challenges most people will never know. Yet Little Chris never complained. Little Chris never asked why this happened to him. Little Chris never questioned God or the world. Instead, Little Chris chose joy. He chose love. He chose to live every moment with gratitude, laughter, and a heart full of kindness.

Those who knew Little Chris will remember his happy spirit, his gentle soul, and the way he enjoyed life so completely. He found happiness in watching YouTube videos with Papa like Key and Peele and Ted Talks, going to the movies, playing Xbox and PC games, loving animals, enjoying good food, and most of all spending time with his family. Even in the middle of pain and suffering, Little Chris had an incredible gift, the ability to be present, to smile, and to make others feel joy.

What people will remember first about Little Chris is his pure love and happiness. His smile carried warmth. His courage inspired strength. His heart reminded everyone that life is not measured by how easy it is, but by how deeply it is lived.

As a son, Little Chris changed his father forever. He taught the importance of treasuring every day as if it might be the last. He showed what it means to love unconditionally and to stay happy no matter what life brings. Today, his dad honors that legacy through the intentional love he pours into Chris’s surviving siblings, wife and the entire family.

To everyone whose life Little Chris touched, he gave kindness, laughter, and grace. Even when he was hurting, Little Chris spoke with gentleness. Even when he was tired, Little Chris gave others comfort. His strength was quiet but powerful, and his joy was real.

Little Chris’s journey was not easy, but his fight was brave. He faced his medical battles with dignity and courage, never losing the light that made him who he was.

If heaven exists, there is no doubt that Little Chris has a place there. In many ways, his love and happiness here on earth already felt like a piece of heaven among us. We hold onto the hope of reunion someday.

Christopher Guardado Jr is survived by his father, Christopher Guardado; his stepmother, Marilim Guardado; his siblings Emma, Jaden, Hailey, and Jorge Castro Cruz; his mother, Tabbetha Kay Ewing; his sisters Skye Ember, Raine Ivy, and Timbre Lynn; his grandparents; and many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

He may have been called Little Chris, but there was nothing small about his spirit.