With heavy hearts, the Columbus community and loved ones of Christopher Cartledge mourn his passing on July 7, 2025, at Grant Hospital, following a long, courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Christopher was 60 years old, and his life was one marked by service, devotion, and strength in the face of extraordinary challenges.
Born on November 11, 1964, Christopher was a man of deep principle and unwavering commitment—a dedicated father, a proud veteran, and a fighter to the very end. His family and friends remember him as someone whose resilience inspired everyone around him, a man who met adversity not with complaint, but with calm determination and grace.
Christopher served with distinction as an Army Ranger in the U.S. Special Forces, a role that not only defined his career but revealed the heart of a protector who gave his all to his country. He carried the values of discipline, courage, and selflessness far beyond the battlefield, living them out daily in his civilian life—whether raising his children, lending a hand to a neighbor, or mentoring younger veterans through their own journeys.
He was fiercely proud of his service, but prouder still of his role as a father. His children were the center of his world, and he worked tirelessly to provide them with love, stability, and the tools to succeed. His quiet wisdom, strong moral compass, and humble demeanor made him a guiding force for his family and a respected figure in his community.
As Christopher’s illness progressed, he faced every stage of his battle with dignity and determination, never allowing pain or hardship to dim his spirit. Even in his final days, he remained focused on those he loved, a testament to the strength of his character and the depth of his compassion.
Now, as his family prepares to say goodbye, they are also met with the unexpected burden of funeral and burial costs. A fundraiser has been organized to help cover these final expenses and allow the Cartledge family to honor Christopher’s life with the respect and dignity he so greatly deserves. Every contribution—no matter the size—will go directly toward laying this incredible man to rest and supporting those he leaves behind.
In this time of profound loss, the family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, and the broader Columbus community. Your prayers, kind words, and generosity bring comfort in their darkest hour.
As we remember Christopher Cartledge, let us carry forward the values he lived by: service to others, quiet strength, and unwavering loyalty. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the lives he touched, and the family he cherished above all else.
Rest in peace, Christopher. Your fight is over, but your legacy will endure.
For those wishing to support the family during this time, please consider contributing to the fundraiser or sharing their story.
