Christian Michael Stark of Gahanna passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2023. Christian was born on March 16, 1992 to Nicole Cox (Blankenship).
Christian was jokingly and lovingly referred to as a professional man of leisure. He had a love for family and friends like no other. Christian graduated from Gahanna Lincoln in 2014 and was so proud on his graduation day. Christian loved unconditionally and with his whole heart. Christian loved holidays (especially Halloween and Christmas) and his birthday. If you were to ask him how many days until his birthday, Halloween, or Christmas he would have known the answer no matter how far away those days were. Christian was a trickster and had a great sense of humor. His Papaw was often the butt of these jokes, but no one escaped his trickery, sharp wit, or gags. He loved going to Sarasota, Florida with his mom to visit his Mamaw and Papaw. His favorite thing to do there was to go to the Red Barn Flea Market to buy Pokémon and baseball cards as well as the many knick-knacks that he found there that he loved so much. One of Christian's favorite things to do was to play with dogs. He would get down on the ground and let them crawl all over him and lick his face. He had several friends and family who graciously offered their dogs for visits, and Christian loved them all and bought them Christmas gifts every year. This kid loved sending cards, no matter the season or reason. Receiving a card from Christian put a smile on all our faces and made us feel so special. Christian's belly laugh was contagious, and he had a knack of saying the right thing at the right time. Christian was an amazing gift giver and would buy you whatever he thought you needed no matter how odd it may have been.
Christian is survived by his mother and step-father Matt and Nicole Cox, Grandfather Richard Blankenship, step-sister Victoria, Aunt Kim and Uncle Dan, Aunt Peggy and Uncle Mike, Aunt Michelle, Grandma Sandy, cousins Derek, Sarah, Maddie and Sam, and very special friend Mal Miller. Christian was preceded in death by his Grandmother (Mamaw) Patty Blankenship. His Mamaw and he were so close, and he never got over her death - he cried over her daily. The love that this young man carried for his family and friends was unconditional and a true gift.
The family will have a celebration of life Sunday February 26, 2023 at The Gathering Space 1091 at 1091 Eastwind Drive in Westerville, Ohio 43081 from Noon-2:30 pm. Christian's favorite foods will be served so come prepared to eat! We ask that you please dress casually and if possible, please wear something with a holiday, animal, Pokémon, or superhero theme. In his honor this celebration will be a party, so please bring your happy memories and favorite Christian stories. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you please consider donating in his name to Best Friends Pet Assisted Therapy, PO Box 595 Springfield, Ohio 45502. Christian's canine cousin Jackson visits people who need some puppy time through this organization. This agency is responsible for bringing smiles to people who need them the most.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Christian's home. His caregivers constantly went above and beyond to make sure that Christian was well taken care of, loved, and happy. There have been so many wonderful people throughout the years who have assisted him at his home, and there are far too many to list. The family would like to especially thank Stephen, Maronda, Dee, Sheena, Sherry, Aly, Vanessa, Alan, and Kike as they have spent countless hours throughout the years advocating for him and making him a part of their families.
Christian was a wonderfully unique person with a heart of a child. He was loved by many, and he has impacted countless people in the short 30 years that we were lucky enough to have him with us. He will be missed more than words can express.
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