Kris Radcliffe

Kris Michael Radcliffe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Oct. 30, 2024, in Waco, Texas, at the age of 51. Born on Nov. 20, 1972, in Redondo Beach, California, Kris lived a life filled with love, dedication, integrity, and hard work. 

Kris developed a deep love for sports, especially baseball, early on. His father was a teacher and coach, in addition to working for the LA Lakers as the official scorekeeper for all home games for 48 years. He was a major mentor and influence on his life. Kris was a wonderful team player and always encouraged his teammates to be the best they could be. If he made an error in the field, he took full responsibility. 

Kris attended high school in Torrance, California—a suburb of Los Angeles—and played baseball at Harbor College. He transferred to California State University at Long Beach where he graduated from and played baseball until his career was cut short due to injury. He leaves behind many, many cherished lifelong friends from his sports and high school days.

In 2002, Kris moved to Texas to begin work at KCEN. Prior to that, he worked on the air in Nebraska and California. From anchoring sports to co-hosting "Texas Today," Kris brought passion, integrity, and excellence to every role he undertook at KCEN. His contributions to journalism were recognized widely, and his morning show won the AP Award for “Best Morning Newscast” in 2016. Kris was also honored as the "Waco Tribune-Herald On-Air Television Personality of the Year" for six consecutive years. In 2024 he received a Telly Award, which honors excellence in video and television across all screens, and he was nominated for an Emmy® Award in both 2015 and 2024. Most recently, viewers have enjoyed Kris as the evening news anchor.

Over his 22 years at KCEN, Kris covered some amazing stories, including the Columbia break up over Texas, the Baylor University Lady Bears threeNational Basketball Championships, and even Robert Griffin III’s Heisman Trophy win in 2011. In more recent years, he covered the two Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) shootings, the West Fertilizer Plant Explosion, the Twin Peaks biker shootout, and coming full circle, the Baylor Men's Basketball National Championship in 2021. Over his 22 years at KCEN, Kris developed many cherished friendships and mentorships, and he is missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.

Always in the pursuit of new knowledge, in 2009 Kris decided to pursue his real estate license. He was a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAXfor 15 years where his production earned him induction into the Executive Club – RE/MAX five times.

When Kris moved to Texas, he found not only a new home but also the love of his life, Eden Radcliffe, whom he married in 2006. Together, they shared a life filled with love and laughter and raised a beautiful family. Kris was a present and supportive father who always guided their girls with wisdom and compassion. His family was his pride and joy, and he embraced the role of father, husband, brother, uncle, and “Papa” wholeheartedly. His family and friends will fondly remember his warmth, his storytelling, his patriotism and his quiet strength. A man of humble faith and boundless generosity, Kris touched the lives of everyone who knew him. 

Kris was preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and John Radcliffe.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years, Eden Radcliffe; his beloved daughters, Tori Eubanks and husband Evan, and Courtney Karger;grandchildren Tate and Wynter Eubanks; sister and brother-in-law, Fred and Suzanne Radcliffe-Couples and son Hunter Hannemann; mother-in-law Linda Jensen; sisters-in-law Libby Cain, husband Lance and son Mason, and Tara Jensen and fiancé Jefferson Jackson; extended family, and countless friends who were like family to him.  

Kris's legacy of kindness, loyalty, and love will live on in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him. A Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Renew Church. The Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m., also at Renew Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to American Cancer Society, Wounded Warriors or Tunnels to Towers in Kris’s memory. His family would like to thank the community for their love, support, and kind words during this difficult time.