Christian DuPont

SSG Christian (Merrick) DuPont (Ret.)

Christian DuPont, 28, of Phoenix, AZ., formerly of Quincy, died 3:11 pm, Sunday November 19, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ.

He was born January 19, 1995, in Quincy, IL. the son of John A. and Marcia A. McCutchan DuPont.

Christian was homeschooled most of his school career. He was a “one year and done” at Quincy High School and graduated in 2013.  He went into the US Army after high school and served his country proudly.  He served as a mortar man from 2013 to 2022. Christian’s basic training was at Fort Benning, Georgia and was first stationed at Fort Drum, New York.  He had a love/hate relationship with the amount of snow in upper New York. He did really enjoy the camping in January disguised as training. Christian’s second duty station was Fort Riley, Kansas. Where there are no trees and almost always windy and often had beautiful sunsets, he enjoyed. 

He loved Martial Arts and was a member of the World Taekwondo Federation. He started Tae Kwon Do at age 5 and achieved 4th dan black belt. His training was primarily at Western Illinois Martial Arts but also included training in Chicago and Korea.  He later took up Jiu Jitsu at RS Martial arts in Junction City Kansas.  While in high school Christian was involved with Quincy Community Theater. He was ecstatic to join the casts of The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe and Cinderella productions.  

Merrick was currently enrolled in the Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Division. His first love was his daughter Rune. He had a passion for guns and motorcycles and died doing what he loved, riding his Harley.  Merrick found a job he connected with; he was currently working at Ambassador Fine Cigar in Phoenix and had dreams of opening a cigar, scotch, and motorcycle shop/lounge in the future.  He spent most weekends riding his motorcycle with fellow veterans in support of other veterans and community events.

He is survived by his mother, Marcia DuPont, Quincy; a daughter Rune; a brother, Dustin DuPont and his wife Jena, Centennial, CO; his sister, Samantha Jo DuPont, Quincy, IL.; two nieces, Lili and Vada DuPont, Centennial, CO; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his sister Laura Mae DuPont; his dad John and grandparents, Richard and Eileen Dupont; Charles and Donna McCutchan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested a contribution to a fund for his daughter Rune.  

Cremation has been accorded. A Military Honors service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday January 20, 2024 at Washington Park in Quincy, Illinois. A gathering of family and friends will be held following the service at Studio 125 located at 125 North 6^th St. in Quincy, Illinois.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling local arrangements.