Chris Allen Vasbinder

Chris Allen Vasbinder, age 61, a life-long resident of Dover, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, in his home surrounded by his family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. 

Born May 10, 1963, he was the son of the late William “Bill” and LaVern (Hootman) Vasbinder. Chris began working at a young age delivering newspapers after school, and later, at the age of 16, was employed by Conley’s Department Store in Dover. He graduated from Dover High School in 1981, and began a long career in route sales and service, which he very much enjoyed until the market changed partly due to the advent of big-box stores. Chris then became a CNC machinist for Dover’s Allied Machine & Engineering where he dedicated 18 years of his working life until cancer forced his early retirement. 

Chris found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved the ocean and Lake Erie and spent countless hours beachcombing for treasures, especially beach glass tumbled by the waves. A passionate collector and tie-dye lover throughout his life, Chris delighted in the hunt for sports cards, silver coins, vintage toys and other treasures. Thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets were his hunting grounds. Family vacations, sporting events, concerts, marching band, trips to Cleveland and Columbus - and especially hanging with his peeps brought him great happiness. He loved all Cleveland sports and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed scratching lottery tickets and liked them best if purchased from the gals at Tornabene’s Drive Thru. 

Chris is survived - and will be forever missed by his devoted wife of 33 years, Sherri (Myer) Vasbinder; his cherished children, Lucas, Allyson and Elizabeth; and his treasured fur babies, Sammie and Henry. He is also survived by his sisters, Debbie Downing of Dover, and Sharon Smith of Alliance; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lisa Jo and Larry Cannon of New Philadelphia; his nieces and nephews, Erin and Casey Downing, Keith and Nate (Emily) Smith, and Deidre Cannon; his great-nephew and niece, Graham and Maggie Smith; and his aunts, uncles and cousins, whom he held dear. Chris’s love for his family was boundless, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Florence Vasbinder, and his mother-in-law, Josephine Myer, who both played a large part in his life.

In accordance with his wishes, Chris will be cremated, and a celebration of his life will be held later. Chris’ texts often ended with “peace & love” (add the emojis in your mind, as they are unavailable through this site) - sentiments that perfectly encapsulate his spirit. May fond memories of Chris bring comfort to all who knew him. 

Contributions honoring Chris may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.