Devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on April 13, 2018, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born in Shields, MI on July 5, 1930 to Leroy W. and B. Blanche (Pardridge) Christian. He served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953.
Upon his return he married the love of his life, Shirley M. Allen, on September 26, 1953. They celebrated 64 years of marriage and raised five children. One of his greatest joys was camping and fishing with family and participating in whatever activities his children and grandchildren were involved.
Kenny retired as a toolmaker in 1995 from Johnson Carbide Products, Inc. after 34 years of service. He was also a custom cabinet maker and master wood craftsman, creating a variety of things from toys to furniture, many given as gifts to family and friends. He was an active member of Community of Christ, 300 N. Center Rd.
, Saginaw, and was youth leader along with his wife for several years. He created many wood projects at the church, and served in various other capacities. Kenny enjoyed music, especially Native American music and prior to the onset of Alzheimer’s, he was learning to play the Native American flute.
He created and crafted his own flute out of Birch with an inlay of Walnut and, hand carved out of Walnut, the little buffalo (fetish) on top of the flute. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, four sons and one daughter, Kim A. (Susan) of Lansing, MI, Steven K. (Betsy) of Longmont, CO, Kevin L. of Saginaw, MI, Sheldon S. (Char Hargrove), of Henderson, NV, and Kathy S. Decker (Kimber) of Kentwood, MI. Also a niece, Renee Christian Pennington who became like a daughter after the death of her parents.
Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Andrew and his wife, Trudy, brother Larry and his wife, Joan and a special grandson, Andrew Decker, who loved to go camping and fishing with “Papa” and Grandma. Many thanks to Dr. Jane I. Castillo and her staff for many years of loving care, Dr. Mirza Hussain and the staff at Samaritas Senior Living.
Funeral service will take place at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Community of Christ 300 N. Center Rd. , Evangelists Jack W. Ergo and Bobby R. Hardin will officiate, with burial at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway on Wednesday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community of Christ, 300 N. Center Rd. , Alzheimer’s Association, Samaritas Senior Living, or a charity of your choice. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Kenneth Christian, please visit our Tribute Store.
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