Kristopher Michael Walker

November eighth, 1972 until October twenty second, 2024

If you have found your way to this page, it’s because you have come here to celebrate the life of, “His Highness”, Kristopher Michael Walker, affectionately known to his sister as “Kissyfur.” In fact, those who were listed as emergency contacts in Kris’ phone, got an alert from his Apple Watch the day he took a hard fall and it told us that, “Your Highness has listed you as an emergency contact.” Did you know that was an option? Neither did we. 

Kris celebrated his love of helping people. The above example was just one of the many ways in which Kris taught us all about living, organizing, planning, and preparing. The consummate caregiver, Kris was always helping someone who was in more need than him. 

Kris loved fast cars, crotch rockets, and a fast lifestyle. Anything that went “Vroom,” he wanted his hands all over it! He didn’t care if those wheels got him in trouble or not, he was going to take that baby out for a spin! 

As a kid, Kris loved to snow ski, ride motorcycles and re-build cars with his Dad. You might recall some of the classics, like his 1967 Mustang, High Country Special or the 1972 Oldsmobile, Cutlass convertible. All cars came complete, with the sub-woofers and the scoops. 

But, Kris wasn’t just a man’s man, he had an infinite passion for fashion and his closet looked like an entire department at H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue with a lot of International Male thrown in! All of this probably came about, because as a child he loved playing dress up with his sister and letting his mom do his makeup. As an adult, he still fancied pedicures with the girls! We call that, polarity at its finest, as Kris, absolutely loved all and unapologetically so. 

Kris enjoyed, immensely, getting dapper for any special occasion, event or party, and “outfits” were something he threw himself into with abandon. He never lost that kid-like wonder to see what he could discover, through putting on a persona and that’s why he always had an innocence about him. The innocence that we will always envy and remember. The type of innocence that allowed him to Be Bold, Be Brash, Be Beautiful and Be Brave. His ability to simply, stand up in the face of adversity, gave him such strength and grace to handle his illness, was unparalleled. 

Kris was a strong supporter of Kansas City Gay Pride, The Aids Quilt Dinner, K.C. Pet Project and the Theater. Kris, with Rick, were involved with Kansas City Gay Pride from 2002 to 2007, when they took over spearheading the Pride Festival until 2010. Together, changing the face of Kanas City Gay Pride for years to come. Kris remained active in the festival until 2013. 

An ardent traveler; Kris celebrated new sights, sounds, and experiences in the variety of locations he visited. Kris toured the United States and all it’s scenic elements. From an LGBTQ themed party in California, to snow-skiing in Colorado, antique selling throughout the east coast, to oceanic experiences from Hawaii to Florida, as well as a couple of tours south of the border, in Mexico. Kris knew no stranger and had no fear to discover himself in these places. Kris enjoyed being the tourist, “eating up” all life had to offer. 

As most of you know, Kris traveled to Wichita for his final days, but he never lost his love of anything that goes “Vroom.” In fact, his last outing was to Costco, to obtain a new pair of eyeglass frames he had obsessed about for two weeks. (We did tell you he was fashion conscious, remember?) With entourage in tow, Kris mounted one of those electric carts, challenged his Mother to a race to the Optical Department and Boy! The race was on! Two toppled tables! Two display cases (that have permanent dents), and one woman winged on the “South” side; Kris got those glasses frames! 

Life in the fast lane may have taken its final lap, but damn! It sure looked fabulous! 

Kris is survived by his Mother Sherry Burke (Husband Marty Burke), Father Steven Walker (Wife Gina Sparks Walker), his favorite Sister, Danielle Walker AKA “Sissyfur”, Life Partner Rick Bumgardner, Sister-in-Law Danielle “Doc” Keith, and his beloved dog Shadow. 

Kris is also survived by all of you. The extended family he was given and the extended family that he chose. 

Kris left us all, with love and with knowing that he felt so strongly, this way; 

“You gotta have Pride! 

Don’t be ashamed, 

Our Love Is the same. 

I’ve got pride! 

I Am What I Am, 

I’m taking a stand, 

I’ve got Pride!”