Freeman Levi Christner

Freeman Levi Christner, 79, of Springdale, formerly of Seaford, Va., went home to be with Christ, his Lord, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. He died peacefully with family at his side. Freeman was the beloved husband of Pamela Moran-Christner and former wife, Susan Jane Christner, the mother of their three children. Freeman is survived by three sons, who cherish the memory of "Pops," as he was known, David Christner, of Hampton, Va., Wade Christner, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Austin Christner, of Brooks, Maine; and grandchildren, Reed and Violet Christner. Freeman is loved and remembered by his stepchildren, Rachel White, of Stockholm, Sweden, Jonathan White (wife, Lisa and grandchildren David and Catherine Christner), and Sarah White, of Boulder, Colo. Freeman is also survived by extended family, sister, Juanita Mast (the late Perry), of Rome City, Ind.; brother, Merle Christner (Edna); and sister, Annie Mosely (the late Bill), of Kendalville, Ind. Preceding Freeman in death were his parents, Susie Schrock and Levi Christner; brothers, Kenny Christner (Ida still living) and Mervin Christner (Mary); and Freeman's beloved twin sister, Frieda Miller. He leaves to memory many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Freeman will always be remembered by his "best buddy," Ralph Gross (wife Kitty), of Williamsburg, Va., with whom he shared many happy times. Freeman loved life and people and was a stranger to none. His laughter, jokes and kindness will always be remembered. He was a man who lived in the moment and lived a full life. He didn't worry about the future and saw the good in people. He was a man who held no grudges and forgave everyone who ever wronged him. Freeman was born in LaGrange, Ind., and raised in an Amish Community in Shipshewana, Ind. Freeman served in the I-W, created for conscientious objectors, in lieu of induction into the armed services, for two years. He served as an orderly in a local hospital to fulfill his service. He completed a GED and business classes after much experience in construction work preceding his self-employment at ProMaintenance, his own company. He loved his customers and working with wood. Freeman played the harmonica and guitar, and he loved gardening, bowling and travelling with his wife. His most enjoyable time was spent with friends and family. Minister Anita Tieman will officiate his service at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, at Nelson Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. A second service will be held, officiated by Minister Mike Casey, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at Holiday Park Church of Christ, 1510 Abers Creek Road, Plum, PA 15239. Special thanks go to the Riverside Adult Day Program staff under Patti Health in NN for their loving care of Freeman for these past three years, and for Dr. Douglas Chessen and Associates' office staff and Colonial Psychiatric Associates under Mary Burch staff for their support of Freeman and Pamela in the past several years. You all made this journey and life an inspiring one for Freeman and we are so grateful for many kind friends, in addition the care of the VA and PA Hospice workers in providing for Freeman's needs in his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Alzheimer's Association. His family invites friends to attend his celebration of life service at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21. in NELSEN FUNERAL HOME, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. A second service will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at Holiday Park Church of Christ, 1510 Abers Creek Road, Plum, PA 15239. www.jarviefuneralhome.com.