James “Tom” Christian
James Thomas “Tom” Christian passed away on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was born in Hillsboro, Texas, on Jan. 16, 1923.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Earl Christian; his mother, Zoe Mandy Taylor Christian Powers; and his loving wife of 67 years, La Verne Everett Christian.
He is survived by his daughters, Linda Christian Winch
ester, of San Antonio, Susan Christian O’Neill and her husband, Jim, of Austin, and Janet Christian and her husband, Eric Marsh, of Lockhart. He also is survived by his sister, Marguerite Wilson, of Brownwood. Tom was a loving husband and father, a good friend, and an honorable, kind and gentle man. Even in his last and difficult days, he always had a smile.
He was active his entire life – college photographer, merchant and businessman. He was a First Lieutenant in WWII in the US Army Air Corps, serving as a pilot in the China-Burma-India Theatre, flying B24s and C47s with the 310 Ftr. Sq. 14th Air Force. He was involved in the Fredericksburg Ex-Military Flyers Club, serving as Vice President in 1996 and 1997, Director in 2000, and President in 1998, 1999 and from 2005-2008.
He enjoyed fishing – both freshwater and salt water – fresh and saltwater and hunting – especially birds and deer – though in later years, more with his camera. He and La Verne were full partners in everything from raising three daughters to owning their own successful business.
He had a witty and dry sense of humor, always had a kind word to say (or at least a funny one), was fair and just in everything he did, and lived by the words he taught his family early on: “Think it through.”
Tom will be missed by more people and in more ways than we can know. We are grateful for the friendship and support he enjoyed, especially with his breakfast buddies at the Old Germany Bakery and fellow members of the Ex-Military Flyers Club. We deeply appreciate the special care he received from HCM Hospice and Visiting Angels Home Care.
Visitation was held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at the Schaetter Funeral Home in Fredricksburg, Texas. Funeral services for Tom were held on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Schaetter Funeral Home in Fredericksburg, with Father Bill Davis, OMI, officiating. Graveside services and interment followed in the Greenwood Cemetery in Fredericksburg.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions in his memory to the American Cancer Society, Hill Country Memorial Hospice, Visiting Angels Home Care, or to the charity of their choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredricksburg, Texas.
