Christopher Wade Maness, 65, of Athens, Louisiana, passed away in his home on Monday, September 21, 2026, after a nine month battle with cancer. He is now with Jesus and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. Chris grew up in Minden, Louisiana, and spent most of his life in Claiborne Parish. He was a retired union worker from Ardagh Glass in Arcadia where he proudly served as a Union Steward.
Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman who found great joy in the outdoors from the time he was young, earning the O.H. Haynes, Jr, Junior Rifle qualification of Marksman-First Class at the age of eleven. He cherished the time spent in nature, making memories with family and friends, and sharing his love of hunting and fishing with those around him. He loved the outdoors and time with friends and family “chasing the hunt”. During his lifetime, he harvested many impressive trophy animals. But on the morning of November 6, 2022, Chris took what would become his “buck of a lifetime” – a truly special moment and memory he would cherish forever. Chris would have lived in the woods if he could have.
Chris was a beloved father and grandfather who found great joy in sharing his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He cherished every opportunity to teach them about hunting, fishing, and the beauty of nature, creating memories they will carry with them for a lifetime.
Chris is preceded in death by his mother, Eugenia Grace “Jeannie” Lindsey Zappa, and father, Finnis Zappa. He is survived by his five children; Christopher Wade Maness II and wife, Faith, of Minden, Louisiana; Maegan Maness of Bossier City, Louisiana; Lauren Maness of Dallas, Texas; Katelin Payne and husband, Matthew, of Midland, Texas; and McKenzie Easterling and husband, Nathan, of Homer, Louisiana; nine grandchildren, Christopher Ashley, Tessa, Trace, Graham, Emilia, Aspen, Parker, Greyson, and Aiden; one sister, Wendi Plants and husband, Chris Plants, of Minden, Louisiana; one brother, Todd Zappa and wife, Michelle, of Benton, Louisiana; one aunt, Betty Paul of Minden, Louisiana; and one uncle, Michael Lindsey and wife, Francine, of Austin, Texas.
A memorial celebration will be held Opening Day of Deer Season (October 31) at 12:30 p.m. on the hillside by the Craighead Cemetery, 6652 Highway 518, Athens, Louisiana. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon at 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, 15274 Highway 9, Athens, Louisiana. The perfect attire for this fitting occasion – Camouflage, of course. The hunters will need to be back on their stands by 2:00. Chris wouldn’t have it any other way.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful care and professionalism provided by the staff at Bristol Hospice, along with Stephanie, Betty, Michelle, Gloria, April, Traesha, and Samantha. God sent angels when we needed them the most. Exodus 23:20.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110