Services for Charles Edward Christian, 76, of Byng are 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 22 at H2O Church in Ada. The service will be officiated by Mark Waggoner and Scott Miller. Burial will follow at New Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends and share memories from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at Criswell Funeral Home.
Charles Edward “Eddie” Christian passed away Wednesday, April 17 at home. Eddie was born January 10, 1948 to Coe Edward Christian and Mary Marie Andrews Christian in Ada. He graduated from Byng High School in 1966 and attended East Central University for a short time. He served in the Army from 1967-1970. He was stationed in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division and in Germany with the 32nd Air Defense Command. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharp Shooter M-14.
Eddie married Josie Lynn Bryant on November 2, 1972 in Ada. He began his 35-year career at Evergreen Mills in 1974. They lived in Byng, Oklahoma and had three children and a small homestead including a large garden and a wide variety of farm animals. Eddie’s love for animals persisted throughout his life, as evidenced by his regular attendance at the Thursday night Maud Goat Sale.
Eddie attended H2O Church and Grace Christian Fellowship. He served for 12 years on the safety team at H2O and took great pride in holding his post in the lobby. He looked forward to his weekly men's Bible studies and LifeGroup and enjoyed the time spent with his brothers and sisters in Christ.
Eddie was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life. He had a love for nature, history and National Parks. He was a member of and supported several organizations, including National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Disabled American Veterans and Cowboy Crisis.
Eddie was very intentional in taking the time to slow down and visit with people. He greatly loved spending time with his grandchildren and that love overflowed to the countless kiddos of friends and family who knew him as “Grandpa Ed.”
He is survived by a son, Chris Christian; a daughter, Holly, and husband, Bryant Redwine; a son, Zac, and wife Callie Christian, all of Ada; grandchildren, Caleb Christian, Austin Britton, Ahna and Halston Redwine, Ayden, Cate, Cullen, Charli and Jack Christian; three brothers, Wayne Christian of Ada, John Christian of Francis and Larry Christian of Stonewall and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josie, his mother and father, his brother, Jerry, sister Linda Thompson and brother James.
Pallbearers are Colin Thompson, Jason Christian, Beau Christian, Cheyenne Christian, Jeremiah Shockley, David Bryant, Dirk Bryant and Pete Bryant.
The family says those who wish may make memorial contributions to Cowboy Crisis fund, P.O. Box 243, Fittstown, OK 74842 or Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
