Christopher Michael Routt

Christopher Michael Routt, 44, of Norman, Oklahoma, went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Chris was born on January 5, 1981, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Robert M. Routt Sr. and Deanella J. Atallian, and was later blessed with a loving stepmother, Marcia A. Routt.

Chris grew up in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and graduated from Midwest City High School, class of 1999.

In 2001, Chris proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished career in ground radar and electronics. His first overseas assignment took him to Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served with the 603rd Air Control Squadron in the Ground Radar Systems Flight, maintaining and deploying systems such as the AN/TPS-75 early-warning radar and supporting NATO air operations, including a TDY to the NATO Air Meet in Poznań, Poland, in 2003. In 2004 he was assigned to the 65th Communications Squadron at Lajes Field (Air Base No. 4) on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal, where he worked on critical systems including radar-based weather and surveillance that supported U.S. and allied units across the Atlantic. He later returned to Aviano, joining the ground radar team supporting the 31st Fighter Wing, where he maintained the base’s digital airport surveillance radar housed in the distinctive “golf ball” dome and other USAF radar sites. During his career he also deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and served on TDY in Adana, Turkey. In 2006 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force, a rank that reflected not only his technical mastery of electronics but also his ability to supervise, train, and care for the Airmen he led.

After completing his military service, Chris graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Journalism with a B.A. in Public Relations. Beginning in 2014, he continued his life of service through his work with the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Public Relations Specialist at the Birmingham VA Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. There he used his gift for clear, compassionate communication to highlight the stories of Veterans and the people who cared for them. During his time in Birmingham, he was honored for his contributions, including being presented with a ceremonial golden shovel during a VA groundbreaking—an emblem of how deeply his efforts were valued by colleagues and leadership alike. Through his work in public affairs, Chris remained dedicated to supporting his fellow service members and their families.

Though quiet and shy by nature, Chris possessed a deep compassion for others. While often content to stay out of the spotlight, he used his talents in service of his fellow man—a quiet strength that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Chris is survived by his father, Robert Routt Sr., and wife, Marcia; his mother, Deanella Atallian; brother, Robert Routt Jr.; and a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, too numerous to mention, all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” ~ Matthew 25:23