Obituaries

David Christian Joseph Wren

Photo of David Christian Joseph Wren
David Christian Joseph "Chris" Wren departed his earthly home on January 23, 2017, for a place he had talked about all of his life, his heavenly home. He was born November 22, 1960, to Evalyn Oswald and the late David Allison Wren. Chris and his twin brother, Vince, were numbers five and six of this family of eight children. Chris was a servant of the Lord and loved so many including those he left behind. He is predeceased by his father, David Allison Wren. Chris leaves his beautiful bride whom he cherished, Christina Balenko Wren, with whom he was two weeks from celebrating 29 wonderful years together, his four children, Maryevalyn Wren of Taipei, Taiwan; Jack Wren of Conway; Chloe Wren of Little Rock and Lillie Wren of the home; and the Wren siblings: Amanda Crosby (Scott) of Little Rock, Dr. Allison Shimizu (Craig) of Cleveland, Ohio, Leslie Ward (David), Susie Kitterman (Greg), twin Vincent Wren (Cheryl), Daniel Wren (Suzanne), and Keith Wren (Amy) of Little Rock. He is also survived by his in-laws Suzanne and John Balenko of Pangburn, Mary Esther and Rudy Martin of Little Rock, and Boundy and Mike Balenko of Russellville. Chris had 20 nieces and nephews and two great-nieces and a great-nephew. Chris attended Catholic schools while growing up in Little Rock and graduated from Catholic High School in 1979. Chris attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he served as student body president. He graduated with a B.S. in finance. He spent his early years working as an investment adviser, but as a jack of all trades, he excelled in many things concerning sales and people. Chris and his twin brother were in business together, and he most recently was working for the State of Arkansas. Chris loved to share what a personal relationship with Jesus Christ meant. He served as a Bible Study Fellowship leader for many years. He had a reputation as being the kindest, most generous, and friendliest person in Little Rock. Chris knew everybody and never met a stranger! Chris taught his friends and family so much about loving others through serving. He was the one who loved to make lunches for his wife and children when they went off to school. He was the one who would show up with a rake and garbage sacks with his four children after a friend's mother died to make sure the leaves were picked up when the guests came over. He showed the love of Christ in everything he did. His children can tell you story after story of his servant-leader style as a father. He always had the most fun orchestrating the Wren family Jeopardy game at Christmas. They want him to be remembered as a humble and selfless family man. Chris' final act of service was delivering a wheelchair to a friend in need on Monday. Of course, this was after he fixed breakfast and served it in bed to his youngest child, a senior in high school. People will agree that some of the great joys in life included a time with Chris Wren. Chris exuded generosity and a servant-spirit. These qualities, along with his light-hearted personality, made him a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and dear friend. He was THAT friend. Visitation will be Thursday, January 26 from 5-7 p.m. in the Chapel at Fellowship Bible Church. Services will be Friday, January 27 at 11 a.m. in the Worship Center at the church. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Chris's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Published January 25, 2017

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