Christopher Eugene Linder, 77 of McKean, died Sunday, November 19, 2023 at home. He was born June 2, 1946 in Ridgway, PA, the son of the late Leroy and Janice Linder. The family moved to Saegertown, PA and in 1964 Chris graduated from Saegertown Junior/Senior High School, where he played trumpet in the marching band. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He married Donna Mae Baker, the daughter of Stanley and Agnes (Locke) Baker in 1966.Chris worked as a licensed plumber for most of his adult life until 1995, when he and his youngest son, Troy, bought Laughlin Collision Services. The business grew and with expansion became Laughlin Collision Service and Sales, where Chris spent the remainder of his working career alongside Troy, his oldest son, Todd and grandsons, Trenton and Kody. Chris was a very kindhearted person who thoroughly enjoyed working with and spending time with his family. He also had “the gift of gab” and could have a conversation with anyone, about anything, at any time. He talked to you like he'd known you his entire life, even if he had just met you. No matter how big the problem, he could make you feel like everything would work out just fine.He loved classic cars and from his early days of driving always seemed to have a project car he was working on, which made the transition from plumbing to the collision business seem pretty natural. In his retirement, he would stop by the shop every morning for coffee and to make sure everyone was doing alright.
Chris will be deeply missed by friends and family alike. He touched the lives of so many over the years, and we are all the more enriched for it. From those of us fortunate enough to have called him “Husband”, “Dad”, “Brother”, “Papa” or “Uncle”, you were so very loved. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Mae (Baker) Linder; sons Troy (Eileen) and Todd Linder; a brother, Donald (Susan) Linder; grandchildren Trenton, Kody, Avery and Kassi Linder; a nephew, Andrew Linder; a niece, Heather (Linder) Fawcett; also an uncle, three aunts, and many cousins.
Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.The burial will be in Sterrettania Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Because you Care, Inc, Animal Rescue (becauseyoucare.org) or the McKean Hose Co., 5011 School St, McKean, PA 16426. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.
