Kris Armstrong

Kris Armstrong, 72, of Owasso, OK, passed away on September 23, 2024 with family and friends at his bedside after a long battle with gastric cancer. We only mention his cause of death because the average lifespan for someone with his diagnosis is 7 months and he made it almost 3 years, something he was very proud of and a perfect example of his fighting spirit. Kris was born January 27, 1952 to the parents of Lorenzo and Marilynn Armstrong of San Antonio, TX. He was one of seven children and had many outrageous stories from childhood including tales of BB guns and knife fights. He loved being outdoors and participated in many sports including rugby, football, basketball and golf. After graduating high school in Hannibal, Missouri he dabbled in construction in Seattle, Washington. Not one to miss out on life, Kris decided to pursue his passion for medicine and went on to Central State University where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology. His enthusiastic passion for Physiology and Chemistry led him to apply to medical school at the University of Oklahoma. He was originally told no upon first application. Not one to give up so easily he asked them why. As the typical fashionista of the time, Kris rocked the luscious long locks which on the cover of a magazine looked glamorous, but not so much in an exam room. The administrators told Kris to cut his hair and apply again next year. He did so, re-applied, and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Oklahoma. After medical school, Kris decided to move to the small town of Owasso, OK, and opened a minor emergency center which developed into the building where he practiced Family Medicine (and eventually functional medicine) for over forty years. His passion for medicine was apparent throughout his career as he ran several medical practices, rounded on his patients in the hospital, made house calls, and added many shifts in the Emergency Room to provide for his growing family. He loved the Owasso community and even served as the team physician for the Owasso Rams football team. Kris viewed many of his patients as his friends, and the family loved reading testimonies from his long-time patients and friends in his final weeks. Kris had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. These include basketball, golf, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, skydiving, bicycling, watching Sooner's football, playing the guitar and mandolin, poker, and most importantly spending time with his children and grandchildren. He ventured to many places with his children including France where his daughter Danielle studied abroad on a cognac journey; scuba diving trips to Belize, Bonaire, and the Cayman Islands with his daughter Kristine; and deep sea fishing in Alaska with his son Preston. While he appeared to be stoic, to those who knew him they experienced his affectionate side, often exemplified in his love and care for his dogs Achilles, Squirt, and Chance. His three most important titles were Dad, Gramps, and Doc, in that order. He was a devoted father and grandfather and a loved individual known for his lively sense of humor and intense dedication to his craft. He lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards his family and the community of Owasso. Kris is survived by his mother Marilynn Cason of Denver, CO; His three children: Danielle Armstrong; Kristine Kallenberger of Tulsa, OK and husband Ben Kallenberger, and Preston Armstrong of Owasso, OK; Three grandchildren: Miller Kallenberger (9), Brynn Kallenberger (5) and Raife Armstrong-kang (1); Five siblings: Gailynn Valdes of Tempe, AZ, John Armstrong of Vail, CO, Jayme Morrisey of Oklahoma City, OK, Ty Morrisey of Oklahoma City, OK, and Todd Cason of Boston, MA as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Lorenzo Preston Armstrong and younger brother Terrance Cason. Some parting words from Kris: "When good times are happening in life, enjoy the heck out of it." And let us not forget that "Sugar is the devil." The family would like to share a toast and a good story with all who loved Kris. His celebration of life will take place at the Patriot Golf Club/Founders Hall, from 2 to 4 pm, Friday September 27th In lieu of flowers please make a contributable donation to the Porta Caeli House at Catholic Charities at cceok.org.

Kris Armstrong

January 27, 1952 - September 23, 2024