Robert Owen Christmas

Robert Owen “Bob” Christmas, 83, of Evansville, passed away Friday, November 8, 2013, at Deaconess Hospital. He was born November 24, 1929, in Evansville to the late Roy and Ethel Christmas. Bob worked at GE for over 30 years, retiring in 1992. He was a US Navy Veteran, serving in the Korean War on the USS Eversole. Bob was a member of SWIRCA, Greater Evansville Runners/Walkers Club, Wesselman Nature Center, and VFW Post #1114. He was a volunteer and supporter of Habitat for Humanity and helped build many houses in the ten years he volunteered. After retirement, he became an avid race walker. He participated in hundreds of races and won or placed in most of those, for his age group. He continued racing into his 80’s, stopping only because of his health. Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Leroy Christmas and sister, Jeanene Wilkinson. He is survived by his sister, Laverne LaVey; nieces and nephews, Linda LaVey Ising of Lakeland, FL, Keith LaVey of Nicholsville, KY, Beth LaVey of Mt Vernon, IN, Jan Evans of Evansville, Jerry Christmas of Tarpon Springs, FL, Jeanna Christmas of Evansville, Sheryl Rice of Evansville, David Christmas of Evansville, Dawn Lawrence of Lexington, KY, and Cindy Brown of Evansville. The family would like to thank the caregivers that took care of Bob, especially Jan Leah Evans, LaShae Taylor, and Anna Wire. Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Rev. Raymond Tucker, with burial in Barnetts Chapel Cemetery, Elberfeld. Friends may visit Tuesday from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to SWIRCA, 16 W. Virginia, Evansville, IN 47710 or Habitat for Humanity, 1401 N. Fares Avenue, Evansville, IN 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.