Clarence Christian

Because of his many gifts and graces as a husband, father, grandfather; his faith; his integrity; his razor wit, his masterful storytelling and his humility of spirit, Red Christian is remembered with love, respect and admiration. Dad died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005 after an extended period of illness. He passed away peacefully at the Christian Care Center in Mesquite at the age of 81. Dad was born March 17, 1924 on a rainy day in Turkey, Texas to Mack V. and Ona McCay Christian. They preceded him in death as did two brothers, J. R. Christian and Carl J. Christian and a son, David Lee Christian. Dad grew up in Turkey and attended school there. He left high school before graduating to enlist in the Army Air Corps. He was inducted at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma in February 1943 and served in the European theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 with the rank of Corporal. He married Bobbie Mullin on December 22, 1946. During his career as an administrative officer with the Bureau of Reclamation, he earned his GED and took college level courses at the University of New Mexico. He gave 38 years of service as a federal employee in Texas, New Mexico and California, retiring in 1980. Fishing, camping, playing 42 and travel were all activities Dad loved. A favorite and frequent vacation site was South Fork, Colorado. He was always willing to work and serve in the broader community.When apprised of the need, he accepted the job of President of the PTA for the Rio Arriba Consolidated Schools in Chama, New Mexico for several years and went on to serve on the State Board for PTA in New Mexico. Dad was an active and long-time member of the Church of Christ. He, his oldest son and his father all were baptized on the same day. Dad went on to serve the church as a Bible teacher, a preacher (if needed) and for many years as an elder at the Robinson Drive Church of Christ in Edna, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bobbie; a son, Richard, and his wife, Debbie, of Mesquite, Texas, a son, Roger, also of Mesquite; a brother, Homer L. Christian, and his wife, Doris, of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren, Jenny Gouge and her husband, Jeff, Lindsay Edge and her husband, Kevin, Sarah Coleman and her husband, Marty, Callie Christian, Bethany Christian and David Christian and his fiance, Amy White; three great-grandchildren, Izzie and Gracie Coleman and Erik Gouge; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends. Dad's family and friends knew him as a man of integrity. He did the right thing at the right time, always. He was worthy of trust, loyal, hard-working and loving. A good, decent man, his presence made the world a better place. It is an honor to bear his name. He leaves a legacy of faith, the example of a servant and many who will miss him. A graveside service will take place in Turkey, Texas at the Dreamland Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, Nov. 8, 10:30 am.at the Robinson Drive Church of Christ in Edna, Texas. Memorials can be made to the Christian Care Center, 1000 Wiggins Parkway, Mesquite, TX 75150. "I have walked in my integrity and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me, test my heart and my mind. For thy steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to thee." Psalm 26:1-3