Christopher Todd Ackerson

The mountains, the hills, the trees, the animals, the birds, the canyon homestead in Hawthorne, Nevada, will all miss their buddy, Christopher (Chris) Todd Ackerson, 53, who passed away on July 29, 2026, at his brother Tim’s house in West Lafayette IN.  Chris had been living with Tim, Amy and nephew Alex since Thanksgiving 2025.  They enjoyed many fun times – eating out, going to Sprint car races, going for walks, and watching game shows on TV.  Chris was an avid reader and always had a book close by.  He especially enjoyed World War II history.

Chris was a lover of the outdoors.  He had stayed several times at his moms in Washington, IN, and they went to several state parks and hiked so he could be in his happy place.  He loved solitude and was his own good company.  Many can’t do that, but he did it well.

Chris met his lifelong significant other, Marcia Lau, at Purdue when he was attending to earn a B.S. in Microbiology, in May 1996. Marcia earned her B.S., as well. They have been together for 35 years.

Chris met his best friend of many years, Norm Nicholas, while working together at Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA.  Norm saved Chris’s life two years ago by driving rather quickly to Hawthorne, Nevada, and getting him to the hospital back in California.

Chris chose his friends carefully, and the ones he chose he kept for a lifetime. These friends will remain our friends and be considered part of the Ackerson family.

From June 1996 to 2003, Chris worked at Merck & Company, Inc, in West Point, PA. He was an Associate Scientist and Staff Biochemist during that time.

From December 2003 to May 2011, he was a Senior Associate Scientist at Amgen, Inc., in Thousand Oaks, CA, and a Senior Validation Engineer at Amgen, Inc.

From 2011 to 2013, Chris was a Validation Scientist and a Staff Quality Engineer at Johnson & Johnson, Los Angeles, CA.

From 2015 to 2024, Chris was a Senior Manager at Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA.  Chris retired from there at age 50 to enjoy life at a slower less stressful pace.

Chris is survived by his mother, Gloria Ackerson; father, Donald (Judy) Ackerson; his brother, Eric Symensma (Tina) and nephew Jacob; his brother Tim Ackerson (fiancé Amy Carlson) and nephew Alex; and his brother Andy Ackerson.  He is also survived by Marcia Lau, the love of his life, and Norm Nicholas, his best friend.

Chris is preceded in death by his grandparents on both sides (Ackerson and Symensma,)

Chris and his brothers were raised and worked on the family farm. They worked together on 4H swine and cattle projects and showed their swine at the State Fair, where Chris won several showmanship trophies. He was also active in FFA in high school and participated in judging contests.

At home, his father referred to Chris as “Mr. C.”  He says he still has four sons, only now one of them lives in Heaven. We all love and miss you Christopher Todd, Chris, or Mr. C.

Visitation will be held at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 1184 Sagamore Pkwy W, West Lafayette, IN  47906 (PH 765-474-1111) at 2:00 PM on Monday August 10^th, 2026, with service immediately following at 4:00 pm.  Pastor Nick Ahrens officiating.

Donations in Christophers name may be made to The American Cancer Society or Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region – Lafayette.