Christopher Lee McClellen aka Crystal Crawford

My name is Chris Burgess and I am raising funds for the cremation and memorial of Christopher Lee McClellen aka Crystal Crawford. On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Chris lost his battle with depression and took leave of this world.

 

Many family and friends have asked what they can do to help. Most importantly, show your support for David, his family and friends. Check on them, let them know you care and how Chris impacted your life. If you are able and wish to contribute financially, it will be greatly appreciated as Chris had no life insurance and there are limited funds for his final expenses. Any money raised will be directed to his husband David who he was with for more than 23 years. Contributions can be made via this site, in person at Lawrence Liquors at 8871 Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis, or you can reach out directly to Chris Burgess.

 

Here is some information about Chris's life.

 

Chris touched many lives in his short 52 years and in ways many of us closest to him are just beginning to understand. Chris lived in New York for a short time and worked as a hair stylist. Chris, however, grew up and lived in Indianapolis for most of his life, graduating from Warren Central High School. He worked in restaurants as a server, most notably at Skyline Chili, The Olive Garden, Buca di Beppo, and Buffalo Wild Wings. He was the best at it and took his work very seriously. Most recently he worked at Lawrence Liquors and was positively impacting that business.

 

Chris was a prolific artist dating back decades. He had his own unique style and his work was always improving. Chris's work was exclusively displayed in a gallery show at Twenty North Gallery in Greenfield, Indiana, a few years back. His work can now be found displayed in the homes of his family, friends and patrons across the country.

 

Chris has long been involved in LGBTQ sports. Chris enjoyed softball and played in the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance league. Chris also enjoyed bowling and bowled on the Shelby Street Strugglers league, the Crossroad High Rollers league, and a number of tournaments in the Midwest. He was a member of the International Gay Bowling Organization and served on The Greater Indianapolis Fourth of July Classic Tournament (TGIF) committee.

 

Chris also had an impact in the Indiana drag community, getting his start doing fundraisers for TGIF. Chris was named Miss TGIF in 1999. Chris was also named 1st alternate for Miss Gay Indy Nights in 1999, competing for the Miss Gay Indiana title later that year. Chris went on to be a cast member at Illusions V and performed in various LGBTQ bars all over the state for a number of years.

 

Ultimately, Chris is just gone too soon. Anyone who knew him will miss him and we will all mourn together for the things he could have and would have done in the years to come. Much love to everyone that knew and loved him.

 

Services will be at Feeny-Hornak Shadeland at 1307 N Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219 on Saturday September 3, 2022. Friends and visitors will be welcomed starting at 11 am with services beginning at 1 pm. We will gather following the service for food and fellowship immediately following. Location TBD.