Chris Walker Ruhl, of San Leon, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026 at this home in San Leon, Texas at the age of 66.  He was born on November 7, 1959 in Richmond, Indiana.

Chris is survived by his loving wife Linda, sons Justin Ruhl, Brandon Ruhl and Kara Davis, Aaron Ruhl, Dakota Ruhl and wife Chelse Ruhl, his mother Verna Webb, sister Kenna Thomas, brothers Chuck Ruhl, Tim Thomas, Kurt Disney, and grandchild Elyza Ruhl and many loving family and friends.

Chris served in the US NAVY from 1979 – 1882. After the military, Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Purdue University in 1987 while working at Kodak. He later obtained his master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix in 2004.

Over his career at NASA, Chris worked for several NASA contractors, Raytheon, United Space Alliance, Leidos and Aerodyne. Chris’s first responsibility at NASA was to provide IT support for the Johnson Space Center. Later as a Software Engineer he helped develop lap top applications for the astronauts to use on the Space Shuttle and spent many years developing crew training simulations for human space operations for the day-to-day management of over 55 Space Shuttle missions and more than 35 International Space Station increments. During this time, Chris received numerous awards for his outstanding achievements including the prestigious Space Flight Awareness Honoree Award and the NASA Silver Snoopy award from the NASA Astronaut office for enhanced flight safety and mission success during the Space Shuttle Program.

Chris was, above all, a devoted family man who cherished the time he spent with those he loved most. His love for the water was a special part of his life, and he spent nearly every weekends with his wife and kids at their lake home, where days were filled with boating, endless hours of tubing, laughter, and fun. Those weekends created treasured memories and a childhood filled with joy and adventure that his family will carry in their hearts forever.

Chris also loved traveling and exploring new places with his beloved wife, Linda. Some of their most cherished moments, however, were the quiet evenings spent together on their back deck, taking in the beautiful views of Galveston Bay and simply enjoying life side by side.

Chris was an active and enthusiastic member of the Galveston Bay Parrot Head Club, where he embraced the spirit of “partying with a purpose.” He found joy in the friendships, fellowship, and many activities that brought people together to support the club’s charitable causes. Through his involvement, he shared his generous spirit and helped make a difference in the lives of others.

The Family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 4:00pm with a Celebration of Life Service at 5 o’clock at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573.

In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704. Hagerstown, MD 21741 https://www.cancer.org/.