Christopher Sweeney

Christopher Moriarty Sweeney of Alpine, Texas departed this earth on April 9, 2018 in El Paso, Texas surrounded by his devoted wife and sisters, he was 62.

A happy, fun and witty man, he never met a stranger.

Chris was born March 7, 1956 in Houston, Texas. His childhood years were spent in Houston with many summers in San Leon, Texas where he met and maintained many life-long friendships. Among them Will Schubert and Jay Brousseau with whom Chris kept in constant contact for over 45 years. Chris was known by all to be a loyal and perpetually upbeat friend. A graduate of St. Thomas High School and Southwest Texas State University, he worked in sales and management for Teflon manufacturing companies for 34 years, until he found his true calling as an organic farmer at Sweeney Farm in Alpine, Texas. He treasured the community of friends that he met in Alpine and felt instantly at home here. He was a loving husband, best friend and companion to his wife of 36 years, Dodie.

Chris loved the natural world, animals, plants, reptiles, insects and the geology of his native state of Texas, especially the rugged landscape of Alpine area. He tended the earth and was an environmental activist. He was a life-long Americana, folk, bluegrass, and rock music devotee, a musicologist and supporter of he musical arts, especially the singer-songwriters.

Chris was a talented and prolific amateur photographer. His near-daily landscape photos brought joy to his many friends on Facebook. His presence is sorely missed by his dogs, cats, chickens and goats, who were often the subjects of his photos.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother Sara Leanora "Sally" Sweeney and his father Harry Louis Sweeney.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife Dodie Sweeney and son Jimmy Greer of Alpine, Texas; sister and brother-in-law Allison and Chris Snyder of Fort Worth, Texas; sister and brother-in-law Polly and Greg Craddock of the Woodlands, Texas; mother-in-law Maggie Keith and sister-in-law Robin Keith of Encino, CA. He is also survived by his dear aunts and uncle Mary King, Dede Broyles, Kitty Charlton and Ed Moroney; his cherished nieces and nephews Scott, Kelly and Molly Snyder, Jeff Craddock and Sarah and Alec Winshel; and his ever-loving cousins Mark and Mike Erwin, Lisa Kinnermann, Rick King, Susie Lewis, Lindy King, Mark Moroney, Karen Martin, Bay Haught and their spouses and children.

A tree planting and celebration of Chris's life will be held on May 5, 2018, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Farmers Market on Murphy Street in Alpine, Texas. The celebration will continue weather dependent at the Fish Cat on Murphy street or the Galleria Sibley on Holland and afterward at Sweeney Farm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians or the charity of your choice.

He will be missed by us all. May he rest in peace.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with his services. Online condolences may be made at www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.