The kindest man in town passed away Thursday, April 24. Howard “Chris” Christiansen, 91, of Huntsville lost his battle with cancer, but left behind a legacy of love.
He was born on May 3rd, 1922 in the small farming community of Rankin, Illinois. That was a time of outside privies and inside ice boxes. His father Raymond worked hard in the railroad yards, his mother Helen Stamp worked hard raising their three sons. Times were tough growing up during the depression. Sometimes an evening meal consisted of milk and sugar poured over a piece of white bread on a plate. His father didn’t believe in taking government relief. But the family somehow made it through. His father got a job in the insurance business, and as World War II began, Chris pursued his love of aviation, enrolling as a cadet in the Army Air Corps. He graduated as a bombardier and flew 51combat missions over Eastern Europe as an officer aboard a B-17 in the 15th Air Force’s 99th Bomb Group.
After the war he married, graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and started a portrait studio in Danville, Illinois. He also taught junior high math and accounting at a junior college. Chris continued his Air Force career as an officer in the Air Force Reserves.
With his wife and three children, the family moved to Huntsville in 1964, where his wife’s cousin lived. Chris became a contract negotiator at Redstone for the missile command. He worked there the next 22 years, completing 25 years of government service. After retiring from the Arsenal, he worked at COLSA.
As a 50 year member of First Christian Church, Chris taught high school and grade school Sunday school, served on the church board, on many church committees, and documented the church through the years with his photography.
The family lived many years on Monte Sano. There Chris started the Community Watch program, served on the Monte Sano Civic Association and Monte Sano Pool board.
He volunteered at the food bank, was active in Huntsville’s Friendship Force, and was a proud member of the local chapter of the Air Force Association.
Chris enjoyed reading to and playing with his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Sue last June and his brother Gleason in 2005. He is survived by his brother Gale, and his three children Debbie, Dick and Tim.
He was the best father and grandfather anyone could wish for. He’ll be greatly missed and never replaced
The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice Care, Dr. Michael Ridner and Dr. Nancy Neighbors, members of the Friendship Force, friends of Saddle Tree, and the loving members of First Christian Church.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Sunday at First Christian Church. The service will immediately follow at the church with the Rev. Dr. Guy McCombs officiating. Burial will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.
