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Raymond (Ray) Edward Christians
1930 - 2018
- Obituary for Raymond Christians
Raymond Christians
Raymond (Ray) Edward Christians of Hollister, MO, was born on March 29,
1930, in Klemme, Iowa to Edward and Anna Christians. He transitioned from
this earthly life to his heavenly home on March 25, 2018.
Ray lived a very full, successful, fruitful, and happy life, which started
with growing up on the family farm in Klemme. He graduated from high
school, was drafted into the US Army where he served with distinction in
the Korean War receiving the Bronze Star, and shortly thereafter married
Marjorie Louise Pierce on May 28, 1952. They were blessed with six
children: Steven, Jacqueline, Katherine, Jeffery, Shawn, and Lisa.
Traveling was always a favorite pastime, and one of those adventures took
the Christians family to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1976 where Reverend
Billy Graham was holding a crusade. Ray and four other family members went
forward to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Soon afterwards,
everyone in the immediate family gave their hearts to the Lord. This
journey began a life-long legacy of faith that has touched so many.
In 1981, Ray attended and graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center.
Intermingled amongst construction and other entrepreneurial pursuits,
mission work soon came to the forefront and was such a joy in his life.
After forty-four years of marriage, Marjorie, his wife, passed away in
1996.
Ray married Julie Powell on May 19, 1997. They loved, worked, and
ministered side-by-side for twenty years until his recent heavenly
graduation.
Working hard was always one of Ray’s hallmark characteristics. He was a
jack-of-all-trades and a master-of-many to include being an auto mechanic,
farmer, custom home-builder, entrepreneur, missionary, insurance adjuster,
theater operations manager, hot air balloon chaser, and a VA Chaplain.
Even though hard work was in abundance, Ray always had time to interject
humor and fun into any situation!
This mighty man of God will be so greatly missed by those of us who
remain, but we will never forget the impact he has made on our lives. He
has run his race with such fervor, excellence, love, and kindness. We will
see you soon . . . with great joy . . . we will see you soon!
Ray is preceded in death by: his father, Edward; mother, Anna; his first
wife, Marjorie; daughter, Jacqueline; brothers, Clarence and James; and
sister, Lois.
He is survived by: his wife, Julie; sons: Steven (Rebecca) of Bentonville,
AR and Jeffery (Cindy) of Joplin, MO; daughters: Kathy (Mark) Rayhons of
Garner, IA, Shawn (Keith) Minnis of Oklahoma City, OK, and Lisa (Bryan)
Fragas of Raleigh, NC. Ray also has 22 grandchildren and 43 great
grandchildren of whom he was so very proud. In addition, there is a host
of family members and countless friends who remain and will continue to
run their own race inspired by one so well lived.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, March 29, 5-7 PM, at Greenlawn
Funeral Home in Branson, MO.
The Celebration of Life service will be at the Sanctuary of Hope Church in
Branson, MO, on Friday, March 30, at 10 AM. Interment, replete with
military honors, will take place at 3 PM at the Osborne Cemetery in
Joplin, Mo.
source: Greenlawn Funeral Home, Inc., 708 State Highway 248,
Branson, Missouri. 417-334-1550
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