VINITA, Okla. — Christopher James Gress, 33, of Vinita, Okla., went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011.

Chris was born in Independence on Sept. 16, 1977, the son of Fred and Vicki (Hudson) Gress. He was a 1996 graduate of Independence High School. Although he was an avid Oklahoma University fan, he earned his associate’s degree in HVAC and refrigeration from Oklahoma State University, Okmulgee.

On June 9, 2001, he married Destiny Baker and together had two children, Hudson, 5, and Brooklyn, 4. After college graduation, Chris and Destiny lived in Austin, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Okla., where he worked in commercial refrigeration. They moved to Vinita, Okla., six years ago when Chris started his business, Kwik Ice Inc. He was a member of Emmanuel Church where he enjoyed praising the Lord and working with the youth.

Survivors include his wife, Destiny Gress, and their children, Hudson and Brooklyn; his parents, Fred and Vicki Gress of Parsons; a brother, Jason Gress of Tulsa; a sister, Becky Gress of Parsons; a brother-in-law, Brett Skinner of Vinita; aunts and uncles, Gayle and Butch Holum of Independence, Randy and Teresa Hudson of Owasso, Okla., Tom and Elaine Gress of Cedar Park, Texas, and Robert Gress of Seattle; a grandmother, Joan Gress of Independence; a niece, three nephews and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Maxine Hudson, and George Gress Jr.; and parents-in-law, Gary and Theresa Skinner.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Church with Pastor Scott Schiele officiating. Arrangements are with Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to the Hudson J. and Brooklyn L. Gress Scholarship Fund at the First National Bank of Vinita, 102 W Illinois, Vinita, OK 74301, or the Emmanuel Church Building Fund, 437551 E Hwy 60, Vinita, OK 74301.

Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com.