Christopher A. McAdoo

A Memorial Service for Christopher A. “Chris” McAdoo, 45, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Private inurnment will be at a later date.  He died on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at his home in Lawrence of an apparent heart attack.

Chris was born on July 11, 1965 in Lawrence, KS, the son of Phyllis Wertzberger and William A. McAdoo.

He graduated from Wichita East High School.  He later graduated from the Full Sail School of Recording Arts in Orlando, FL.

He was a barista and owned the Mocha-Doo’s Coffee Kiosk at the Hy-Vee Food Store at 4000 W. 6th Street in Lawrence.  He had formerly done freelance video and sound in Florida and Kansas.

Survivors include his mother, Phyllis Wertzberger McAdoo, of the home, his father, Bill (wife JoAnn) McAdoo, of Wichita, KS, a sister, Lynne McAdoo, of Kansas City, MO, two uncles, Dr. Ken Wertzberger, of Lawrence, Bob McAdoo, of Leawood, KS, two aunts; Annette Wertzberger, of Lawrence, and Patti Wertzberger, of Scottsdale, AZ.  Other survivors include nine cousins: Kurt Wertzberger, Kirsten Krug, Karl Wertzberger, Greg Wertzberger, Mark Wertzberger, Sarah Wertzberger, Kelly McAdoo, John McAdoo, and Jamie McAdoo.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, the Lawrence Humane Society, to Eastlake Community Church, EastLake Community Church, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Those may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
 

50 Condolences

  1. Newton King on June 19, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    Phyllis and family I send my deepest sympathy at the time of loss. I always had to look twice when i heard him speak because I first would be looking for John.
    Newton



  2. Cindy Flippo on June 20, 2011 at 7:14 am

    Phyllis, I am so sorry for your loss… May you and your family find comfort with the many wonderful memories….praying for strength and comfort for you and all who knew Chris, I know he will be greatly missed.



  3. Doug Brown on June 20, 2011 at 10:09 am

    So, so sorry to hear of this. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.



  4. Vickie Weatherwax on June 20, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Chris had an exceptional smile, laugh, and sense of humor…..I will miss seeing him. He once told me that coffee beans multiply everywhere except where you want them, if he could figure it out, he would be rich! He always made me laugh. My deepest condolences to your family.



  5. warren best on June 20, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Go with god, though two young



  6. Paula Kissinger on June 20, 2011 at 11:00 am

    My sincere condolences to Chris’ family. He was an amazing individual with a unique personality and great sense of humor. I will miss trading verbal jabs with him the several times a week I used to see him. Prayers for your strength and Chris’ eternal peace.



  7. Patti Wertzberger on June 20, 2011 at 11:19 am

    One never expects to have their child proceed them in death and I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you Phyllis. Chris had a gentle way about him, and a welcome smile. Chris adored his mother and that always says so much about a man. My deepest sympathy Phyllis to you, Bill and Lynn. May he rest in peace. Love, Patti



  8. Jennifer Davis on June 20, 2011 at 11:40 am

    On behalf of my mother, Judy Davis, I wish to send you her deepest sympathies for the loss of Chris. Her thoughts are with you and your family.



  9. Brad Maestas on June 20, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    I met Chris at the Jazzhaus in Lawrence, me a freelance instrumentalist and he, a wide-eyed prospective manager/promoter. He eventually managed one of the groups I was in for several years and I got to know Chris very well in that time. I’d been over to his house a few times to gather some equipment but never got the change to meet his mother. My deepest condolences go out to her and his family. He was a sweet soul and he definitely left us to early. RIP my friend.



  10. Todd Johnson on June 20, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Chris was instrumental in helping us record our first few records. From providing the space, gear and engineering. He did it all out of kindness and never asked for anything in return. I enjoyed all of the time I spent with him creatively and I am truly grateful for his belief in us as a band as well as his loyal friendship. This is very sad news. Phyliss, please accept our deepest condolences.

    Todd & Trucker



  11. Laurel Musante on June 20, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I worked for Chris at Mocha Doos for almost two year. Even though we did not end on a good note he was a great person and he taught me many things that make me who i am day! he was a funny person to be around and he always had a smart ass comment coming out of his mouth! Everyone could always hear him coming but they loved it when he was around! He was way to young but he is in a better place. I will miss him and my simpathy goes out to his mother, sister and father. He will be greatly missed.



  12. Jane F. Radcliffe on June 20, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Phyllis-
    Jane Pendry just called me and told me about Chris. I was heartsick for you. I can’t imagine losing a child. I just wanted you and Lynn to know that my thoughts are with you. Love, Jane



  13. Jena Bloch on June 20, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    I knew Chris only through his coffee, but always had genuine, fun conversations. I was so shocked to hear the news and my heart goes out to all his family and friends.



  14. Julie Freeman on June 20, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    I met Chris as he opened Mocha-Doo’s in HyVee. He and his coffee became a regular part of my week. When two of my children were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Chris was always quick with tips and encouragement. He will be missed.



  15. Kendra Pelz on June 20, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Phyllis the fabulous pharmacist- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Chris was very special and I always enjoyed our brief conversations when he called the pharmacy. Thoughts and prayers- love Kendra



  16. katie on June 21, 2011 at 9:00 am

    Chris, it was great getting to know you the past few years that I have worked at the store. Really going to miss seeing you every morning. Rest in piece, you are really going to be missed.



  17. Danielle Babb on June 21, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    You are in my family’s thoughts and prayers for strength and faith during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies, Tom and Danielle.



  18. Cody Poell on June 21, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    Not a day will go by when I don’t miss hearing that one of a kind voice greeting me in the morning as I made my way to the pharmacy. There was nobody quite like Chris and we will all miss him so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Phyllis



  19. Cush on June 21, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    He was a Favorite, and will be missed on this earth… And to his family and friends,,, May the road rise to meet you in this time of sorrow and joy…



  20. Ann Jesse on June 21, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Few people can say they served a community with a valuable business. Even fewer are remembered for the lasting impact they make on others thru their kind words and greetings. Chris excelled at both. We should all take a page from his book. Rest in peace, dear Chris.



  21. joni mccoy on June 22, 2011 at 12:10 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. We were friends in high school and he was a good guy. This makes me very sad for him and those who love him. God be with you



  22. Nancy Barber on June 22, 2011 at 8:01 am

    My Dear Phyllis
    I am so sorry. My prayers are with you.
    Nancy Meyer Barber



  23. Phyllis McAdoo on June 22, 2011 at 8:08 am

    My Dear Phyllis,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
    Nancy Meyer Barber



  24. Pat Getto Plumlee on June 22, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Phyllis,
    I was so sorry to hear of your loss – I send my deepest sympathy & prayers to you and you family.



  25. Mike Myers on June 22, 2011 at 9:18 am

    Phyllis,
    I was so very sad to hear of Chris’ passing. We struck up a solid freindship immediatly when we began working together. I will really miss working with Chris and especially seeing his dream of a Mocha-Doo’s storefront and drive-through. It would have been a big success mostly because of his passion and his presence. My sincere condolences.



  26. David Childers on June 22, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. He was a great guy to know who brought a lot of good things into other’s lives. My prayers and sympathies to his family and friends at their loss.



  27. Darshika and Raseh Patel on June 22, 2011 at 11:26 am

    We will miss you dearly Chris. I will miss your friendly hi’s and bye’s daily coming and going from Hy-vee. You were the reason Rasesh and I started drinking coffee. Our hearts and prayers go out to Phyllis and the Mcadoo’s family.



  28. Scott Fetterman on June 22, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Going to miss you Chris. I enjoyed seeing you every week and the humorous banter we exchange. Walking into HyVee will never be the same without seeing you and hearing your deep, low voice. You were a really good guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the McAdoo and Wertzberger families.



  29. Tom and Marty Holler on June 22, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Dear, Dear Phyllis,
    I am stunned to hear about Chris’ passng. Please know we are holding you close in our thoughts and hearts. We wish you God’s greatest blessings at this terribly difficult time.

    With love,
    Marty and Tom



  30. fran on June 22, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Heartbreaking news, Wertz. So unfair. He sounds like a wonderful young man. Sending you and Lynne hugs as you try to make sense of this tragic loss. Wish we could be with you to celebrate his all-too-short, but memory-filled life. Our thoughts are with you. love, Fran, Bill & AJ



  31. Ginny Marshall Jackson on June 22, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Thinking of you at this sad time, Phyllis. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wish I could be there to give you a hug. Ginny



  32. Liz & Jim PHillips on June 23, 2011 at 8:20 am

    We knew Chris as our daughter’s employer, but also came to know him as a friend. Phyllis, our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time. With time, may you find comfort and peace in the memories



  33. Bernie Jacobson on June 23, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Saddened to learn of Chris’ passing. Bev and I send our deepest sympathies to Phyllis, Bob, Joann and Lynne.
    Bernie Jacobson



  34. Rebecca Bell on June 23, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy, Rebecca



  35. Steve and Marcia Reed on June 23, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Phyllis and Bill, we were so sad to hear about the loss of Chris. Our memory of him was from our California days so long ago. You were a few blocks away in Westchester, and cute little Chris was only a few years old. We send our love and prayers.



  36. Linda (Lansdown) Anderson on June 24, 2011 at 7:41 am

    To Chris’ family, I am so sorry to hear about Chris’ passing. I had lost touch with Chris in high school. I have fond memories of riding bikes and hanging out with Chris on Pershing St. in Wichita. He was a wonderful person to be around. My sincere condolences.
    Linda (Lansdown) Anderson



  37. Roxie Fanning on June 24, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    i just can’t say how much i’ll miss Chris. we didn’t know each other well, but he was a part of my life everyday. i loved his coffee, and i looked forward to bantering with him in the mornings. i will miss him dearly.



  38. Sara Pfeiffer Nikolits on June 24, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    I am so sorry for your devastating loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that my thoughts are with you.



  39. Hilary Cooley on June 24, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    Phyllis and Bill and Lynne

    I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers.

    Hilary Cooley



  40. David K-Pofahl on June 25, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I live in Topeka but work at KU, and have been getting coffee from Chris for over a year. What a shock to see the empty space and small, sad note on the window yesterday! I am at a loss for words. Gone too soon. R.I.P.



  41. marcia casey cushmore on June 25, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Phyliss, I am so very sorry to hear about this. Altho I never met Chris I know he must have been a very special man. And, altho I see you very rarely, I do remember that you too are a very special woman, mom, friend etc.

    Please know that I send you love and sympathy.

    Love, Casey



  42. Bev on June 27, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    So sorry for your loss. McAdoo (as we called him) was a one of a kind. Always smiling, always willing to lend a hand and a very very dear and special friend. Much love and peace my friend. May you keep them laughing in heaven. Bev and the kids



  43. Jacie Crawford on June 27, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    Chris & I attended Robinson Jr. High together…I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.



  44. Sarah Brookfield on June 29, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Lynne,
    Although I didn’t know Chris I feel like I lost a family member. Being your brother, I’m sure he was bright, funny and full of life. My thoughts are with you always. I’m hoping to be at the memorial but either way, will catch up with you soon to give you a hug. Tell your dear Mother and the rest of the family that we treasure you, so we treasure yours as well.
    Sarah Brookfield



  45. Eric Martin on August 23, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    I’m just now hearing about Chris. He was one of the nicest guys who picked up coffee at the warehouse. He will be missed. RIP.



  46. Sharon R. on September 18, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    My deepest sympathy to Chris’ family.
    Chris bought product from our company- Dr. Smoothie for 6 yrs. I alwys had the pleasure of working with him. Hearing his voice always made me smile. I had been trying to contact him via his phone & email for a couple of months.
    My heart is reaching out to you in sympathy and prayer.
    Sharon R.



  47. Scott Arnold on May 7, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    To: Bill Phyllis and Bob,it’s May 7,2012 and I was “surfing” the net and learned of Chris’ death just know. Wow, I remember him when he was a little baby in L.A. and how blonde he was. Always seemed like a good kid. I am his cousin and have fond memories of him but had not seen him in a long time. Am very sorry for your loss and wish you all well…SRA



  48. Bernie, Carolyn, & Genevieve Lapierre on July 29, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    We are so so sorry and in mourning. We had wondered why we had not heard from Chris since moving to Atlanta in May of 2010 after trying to communicate with him. He was a dear friend for all of our 4 years in Kansas. I ran into him from the time we moved at the Hy-Vee in Lawrence with my then 7 month old Genevieve. Over a short time, he became her “Uncle Chris” and was at every birthday. We miss him dearly and need you to know we felt as though he was family and we loved him like a brother. Our sincere condelescences. May this great Man with a heart of Gold rest in peace.



  49. C. H. Newsome on December 27, 2019 at 9:32 pm

    How very strange that I just learned of your son’s death. My son died in 2016 at age 45. I feel all that you feel . Such wonderful letters from friends. A comfort. CHN



  50. Arvind Bajaj on March 25, 2024 at 6:54 am

    Dear McAdoo Family- Sheila & I are sorry to hear about Chris’ passing. I went to Robinson Jr High with Chris (he was one year younger than me). RIP my friend. – Arvind Bajaj



Leave a Condolence