Antonio ‘Tony’ Cristan passed peacefully and went to heaven to be with our Lord on July 22, 2021. He was born July 8, 1936, in Waelder, Texas to Rosalio and Benigna Cristan. His Flatonia, Texas high school teammates have reflected on his personal commitments to the football and track teams as well as his many athletic accomplishments. Joining the Army in October 1960, he often shared his experiences serving along the North and South Korea 38th Parallel. He was honorably discharged in July 1965. Tony married his wife, Eva, that same year and started their family. Tony was an avid golfer, always looking for any reason to play golf, and was a long-time member of the El Paso Pan American Golf Association, where he led many committees, focused on increasing memberships and raising scholarship funds to support local high school graduates. Tony was also a member of the Tortugas Golf Club. Throughout his 50+ year career in the auto parts industry, he received several Sales Awards showcasing his dedication. He enjoyed coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
He is survived by his son Lonnie Cristan and wife Lisa of Keller, Texas, daughters Rebecca Chavez and husband Tury, and Elaine Cristan, M.D. of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren Matthew Cristan, Athena Chavez, Rylee Cristan, Brea Cristan and great-granddaughters Isabella Cristan and Elyssa Mendoza; brothers Rogelio Cristan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Victor Cristan and Alex Cristan of Lubbock, Texas, Edward Cristan of Slaton, Texas; sisters Audelia Lapp and Socorro Cristan of Lubbock, Texas, Ana Cristan of Arlington, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eva, his parents Rosalio and Benigna, and his brother Demetrio Cristan.
Honorary pallbearers are Ramon Samaniego, Agustin Arellano, David Samaniego, Richard Valles, Donald Cristan, Roy Cristan, Victor Cristan, Edward Cristan, Alex Cristan and life-long friend, Lonnie Garbade of Flatonia, TX.
Tony supported St. Jude Children’s Hospital for 45+ years, in lieu of flowers the family is asking to support St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity organization of your choice.
The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at the University Medical Center of El Paso for the respect and medical attention that was extended to Tony while he was under their care. And thank you to all his “golf buddies” who looked after him, picked him up for breakfast, and kept him company.
Visitation and Rosary from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on August 11, 2021, at Hillcrest Funeral Home.
Funeral Services from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on August 12, 2021, at Hillcrest Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 AM.
Hillcrest Funeral Home, www.hillcrestfuneralhome.org. 1060 Carolina Drive, El Paso, Texas 79915, 915.598-3332
