Lawrence "Chris" R. Christensen

Chris was born on May 17, 1933, in Palisade, Colorado, to Jacob and Annie (Larson) Christensen. Chris spent his childhood in Palisade, and graduated from Grand Junction High School In 1951. He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1955. During this time he met and married his first wife, Mary Lou Kocurek, and together they had eight children, she later preceded him in death. He married his second wife, Martha Derby (nee Hockett), in August of 1972, and welcomed two step-children, she preceded him in death on July 27, 2015 in Grand Junction.

Chris worked as an auto mechanic for over 30 years. He enjoyed being outdoors, traveling, and

spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Forest and Jens; and

his daughter, Judy Downey.

He is survived by his sister, Ethel Boydston of Palisade; five sons, Lawrence J. (Karin)

Christensen of Killeen, Texas, Richard (Janet) Christensen of Willis, Texas, Jeff (Stacy) Christensen of

Collbran, Allen (Jane) Christensen of Delta, and Dean (Karen) Derby of Grand Junction; four daughters, Linda (Robert) McCarthy of Grand Junction, Kathy (Dennis) Goodman of Nampa, Idaho, Gloria (Tad) Paddock, and Vicki Williams both of Grand Junction; 19 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.