Milton Arnold Christian

Carried into church at two weeks old, Milt's godly mother influenced his early years. He came to Christ in Sunday School and after High School, went off to Providence Bible Institute. Always sports-minded, he joined the basketball team, where he met and married one of the cheer-leaders. He and Audrey had four sons: Stephen, Carl, Scott and Dean. Milt earned a Bachelor of Theology at Baptist Bible Seminary and pastored three churches during those years. In 1970, he received his Master's Degree at the University of New York. The family moved to Sarasota, Florida, to be with Audrey's dad, a recent widower. Milt had the unique opportunity of being in on the founding of a new program in the Sarasota County Schools, called The Ideal School, and served there until retirement in 1994. This program graduated many young people that did not do well in a traditional setting. During those years, he refereed basketball, baseball, football and volleyball. His refereeing money made it possible for the family to enjoy several western National Park camping trips. Milt led the singing at Grace Baptist Church of Sarasota for 17 years, where he and Audrey were members. After retirement, they had the privilege of working with Sowers, a helps ministry for retirees with RV's. They served at 57 projects in 21 states and British Columbia. Milt had many talents and a full life until 2004, when strokes started to affect him. As his physical and mental health began to deteriorate, God led them to the Wesleyan Village and church where they found a new family and became members. Milt went to meet his Lord and Savior on Father's Day 2015. He is survived by his wife, Audrey, four sons, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, a brother in Martville, NY and a sister in Binghamton, NY. The family would like to thank Charles and Ursula Downey, Mary Smith, Bob and Anna Belcher, and the Caregivers Support Group for their ministries in Milt's battle with failing health in his final months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for Brooksville Wesleyan Church’s Care Givers Ministry (a support group for those who provide home care for a loved one, especially those with memory issues) or Sowers International, 5677 North Red Hills, Meridian ID 83646 (short-term missions).