Chris Linton 52 Port Orange passed away peacefully Wednesday January 4 2012 surrounded by family and their love. Born in Wayne Michigan on June 15 1959 he grew up in a family with proud parents Duane and Arlene and three sisters Karen Brenda and Sandy. Chris attended area schools graduating in 1977 from John Glenn High School. Throughout childhood it became apparent to all that he had been given a gift of seeing things from a different perspective. Chris was curious about how things are made and functioned always challenging himself to improve them. Those talents were fully realized when Chris became a machinist. His storybook career began humbly with seasoned industry professionals who mentored him. As his love of the profession grew Chris was given opportunities of a lifetime including work at Jack Roush Performance Engineering in the early 1980's and ending with a career that encompassed most of the Space Shuttle Program. Honor love of family friends and country were all very important to Chris. He met his wife Kathleen on New Year's Eve 1982 on a trip to Florida. They became immediate friends with a long distance dating relationship that lasted four years. Then Chris made the painful decision to leave his position with Jack Roush that he so enjoyed to be with his true love. Moving to Florida they were married the following year. Together they raised daughter Jennifer and were blessed to have 24 years together. Survivors include his wife Kathleen Linton daughter Jennifer Lafland (Alan) granddaughters Annsley and Ashlynn his parents Duane and Arlene his sisters Karen Linton (Glen) Brenda Czubaj (Ray) Sandy Yetter as well as countless nieces nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Monday January 9th from 11 AM - 1:00 PM funeral service immediately following at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Flowers are welcomed or in lieu of flowers they request donations be made to Volusia/Flagler Hospice. Heartfelt thanks are made to the wonderful hospice staff for helping Chris through his time of need. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.