Walter Edwin Christen

Walter Edwin Christen, 90, of Abilene, Texas, died Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at his residence. He was born in Paden City, West Virginia, January 7, 1923 to parents, Walter U. Christen and Hattie Mae (Kirby) Christen. He had one sister, L. Imogene (Imy) (Christen) Kemper of Wellsburg, WV, and a brother, Chauncey M. (Bud) Christen of Canton, OH, both deceased. Walter is survived by his two children - daughter Sandra K. Lucas Knowles of Harrington, DE, and son Terrance L. (Terry) Christen of Lilburn, GA. Survivors include six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Walter attended Paden City Jr. High School and graduated from Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, WV, Class of 1942. After serving with the US Navy Seabees, he went to Chicago, IL and attended Coyne Electrical School where he graduated. He was employed by General Electrics Co. Distributor for 18 years, was a Credit Manager for RCA Victor Distributor for 8 years, and was a Group Credit Manager for Panasonic Company, Division of Matsushita Electric Corp. of American for 18 years. Health problems forced him to go to a milder climate. Walter moved from Chicago, Illinois to Abilene in 1992. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Abilene, TX and a member of Parramore Post #0057 American Legion, Abilene, TX. He was a Mason, PM, affiliated with North West Lodge No. 271 of Chicago, a Medina Shriner of Addison, IL and a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Chicago. He loved to travel in his Motorhome with his lifelong friend, Tommy Denton, and his German Shepherd dog. The Denton Family of Ballinger, TX has been his friend for some 50 years. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Clyde Kieschnick officiating. Burial with US Navy Military Honors will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church – Debt Reduction Fund, 2801 Antilley Rd., Abilene, TX 79606; West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605; or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.