Earl Dean Christian, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 30, 2019. He was born on September 29, 1933 to Aubrey and Naoma Christian in Lindsey, Oklahoma. He was a member of Central Baptist in Texarkana, Arkansas. During his childhood he lived in many places but spent most of his adult life in Texarkana, Arkansas, the place he called home.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas and acquired his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Christian also proudly served in the United States Army where he earned the rank of Captain. He was selected as a member of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers, as well as other engineering organizations. He loved his profession and provided only the best for his clients. His legacy may be seen in the many engineering projects he designed throughout southern Arkansas and northwest Texas during his more than 60 years as a professional engineer. Although Mr. Christian is known in the local engineering community for his designs of water, wastewater, streets and drainage systems; he started his career working for Boeing, specifically on the wing design of the B-52 Bomber. There was another side to Mr. Christian. At various times in his life he was known to tutor high school students having trouble in math. He taught young adults to read. He taught Sunday School. He coached youth baseball, both for his son and grandson. He was a hospice volunteer.
He also loved and cared for his family. He was married to Mary Ellen Rauch Christian for almost 53 years until her death. Survivors include his three children and their spouses: Karen (and Randy) Ottinger of Texarkana, Arkansas; Ellen (and Tim) Norvell of Elm Springs, Arkansas; and Glenn (and Debbie) Christian of Conway, Arkansas; his grandchildren that he was so proud of: Ryan Ottinger, Allan Norvell, Jason (and Alysse) Ottinger, Andrew (and Tabitha) Norvell, Alyssa Ottinger, Sara Ottinger, and Amelia Christian; and his great-grandchildren Linley and Tanner Norvell; and his sister Gloria Bell of Austin, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerald Christian, and many special brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 at East Funeral Home- Downtown Chapel with Rev. Phillip Dunn. officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home – Downtown.
Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 at East Funeral Home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116. The family would like to thank those who provided care for Mr. Christian. We offer a special thank you to the staff at The Magnolia in Texarkana for their care and patience; for Tina and Whitney at Heritage Living Center for keeping us constantly informed; for Cathy, Gwen and Ashley with Arkansas Hospice for their compassion and kindness, and to Dr. Pastor for his attentiveness.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. --- Jeremiah 17:7
