Robert Edward Christman, Jr.

Robert (Chris) Edward Christman, Jr., of Killeen TX, born February 8, 1951, died February 11, 2012. A visitation for Mr. Christman is scheduled for Thursday, February 16 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home. Services are planned for 1:30 pm, Friday, February 17 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home with burial to follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 3:00 pm.

Chris was born in Lowell Massachusetts, eldest child of the late Robert E. and Mary E. Christman. He was a graduate of Lowell Trade School. He also attended Central Texas College while in the Army.

He joined the army in 1969 retiring in 1992, serving during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. While serving in the military, Robert was awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (6th award), the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon - Numeral 3, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon - Numeral 4, and the Expert Badge for Rifle and Pistol. He started his second career in 1993 at DOL continuing to do the work that he knew and loved as a Senior Mobile Equipment Technician, earning the Distinguished Civil Service Award while working there until his untimely death.

He is survived by his son, Robert E. Christman, II and his wife Melissa of Melbourne, Florida; daughter Tanja Martin and her husband Jimmy of Copperas Cove, TX; long time partner Eartha Wood of Killeen, TX; ex-wife and friend Maria Christman of Killeen, TX; four grandchildren, Caitlin Christman, Ashley Carden, Colton Christman, and Kelsey Christman; four sisters and four brothers, Cindy Johnston of Lowell MA, Sandra (Sam) S. Chasse of Dracut MA, Chris A Barton of Milton, NH, Kim a Goudreau of W. Paris, ME, Richard J. Christman of Kansas City, MO, William S. Christman of Lowell, MA., Steven A. Christman of Waterford, ME., and Thomas M. Christman of W. Paris, ME; five aunts, two uncles, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronald Christman, and a sister, Shari Duncan.

Due to his love for animals, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen, TX or your local animal shelter.

A memorial mass for Mr. Christman will be held at St. Michaels Church in Lowell, Mass. On Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:00 am.