Christopher David Lilly, 42, passed away, Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Pie Town, New Mexico. He was born December 29, 1983 and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the son of Curtis Lee Lilly and Debra Kay Welch Lilly and had 3 younger siblings, Travis, Tyrel and Kathryn.

Chris grew up playing football, baseball and roping. He then attended New Mexico State University and was on the NMSU Rodeo Team. He traveled the country roping and helped produce ropings.

He married Tawana McPhaul from Pie Town, New Mexico where they raised their two girls, Tessa and Brynlee.

He was an avid and skilled hunter. He spent his life guiding and hunting and took his hunting very seriously. He was extremely dedicated and attentive to his hunters. He was a big part of Mangus Outfitters for many years while also managing Sawtooth Shadows Ranch. Predator hunting was his passion as well as competitive long range shooting. He excelled at competitions and won prestigious titles such as Texas Hand Calling.

Chris was a dedicated father and husband who took great care of his girls; a true family man. He was constantly hauling them to rodeos and attending all their activities, being their number one fan. He spent many days with the family roping, ranching and playing cards.

He thoroughly enjoyed ranching and had built a herd of his own. In the words of his girls, he babied his cows.

Chris will be forever missed by his friends and family.

Chris is survived by his wife, Tawana Lilly, daughters, Tessa Lilly, Brynlee Lilly, brothers, Travis (Cary) Lilly, Tyrel (Nicole) Lilly, sister, Kathryn (Brody) Lucero, nieces, Kamryn Lilly, Shaylee Lilly and nephews, Bentley Lucero, Tate Lucero, Kaysen Lucero and Holden Lucero.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kathryn Welch, Bob Lilly and Margaret Lilly.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 25, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Datil Gymnasium, Datil, New Mexico. Interment will follow the services at a private family cemetery in Pie Town, New Mexico.