Christopher Michael Loch, age 38 of Springfield, Mo. passed away early Sunday, December 24, 2017, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Chris was born on May 5, 1979 in Claremore, Ok., the son of Martin Loch and Denise (Glades) Broyles. He has been a lifetime area resident. Chris graduated from Galena High School in 1997. While at Galena he participated in football, basketball, and track and field. He received several football honors his senior year. He was unanimously voted first team CNC offensive tackle, first team class 3-A All State offensive lineman, and first team Joplin Globe All Area offensive lineman. The Joplin Globe votes on players from 50 schools in the Tri State area. He received the third voting selection from this organization. This was quite an honor to be received as an offensive lineman. He was also a two time All CNC league performer in 1995 and 1996 for the Bulldogs. Chris was also selected to play in the 1997 Kansas Shrine Bowl. He was one of 68 of Kansas’ finest young athletes. Chris signed on to play football and attend Pittsburg State University in 1997. He played for the Pitt State Gorillas for four years. Following his college career, Chris joined the Joplin Crusaders Semi-Professional Football team in 2004. In 14 seasons, he helped lead the Crusaders to 8 CFL Championships and 1 National Championship. Chris also got to play a championship game in his beloved Dallas Cowboys football stadium. Chris worked as an oven operator at Hampshire Pet Products. He was also a member of the Peoria Indian Tribe. He loved football and spending time with his family. Chris will always be remembered for his big heart, his humor and his gentle spirit.

He married the love of his life, Jodi Cain, on July 7, 2007, she survives. Additional survivors include his mother and step-father; Denise and Brian Broyles of Galena, Ks., father and step-mother; Martin and Valdina Loch of Oklahoma City, Ok., his brother; Eric Loch of Joplin, Mo., a sister; April Dvorak and husband Aaron of Joplin, his aunts and uncles; Anna and Bill Johnson of Galena, Mark and Cheryl Glades of Galena, two nieces and a nephew; Abbi, Aurora and Aadin Dvorak, and 2 cousins; Sean Glades of Joplin and Matt Glades of Fort Scott, Ks., and many other relatives, many friends and teammates.

In lieu of flowers donations may be to the Christopher M Loch Memorial Fund through Mid-Missouri Bank of Republic in care of the mortuary.

A memorial service has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. David Pitts, will officiate. The family will receive friends during a time visitation following the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.