The Shreveport Times

Obituaries

Friday, June 06, 2008

Gordon Bruce Christian

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Stanley

STANLEY, LA- Funeral services for Gordon Bruce Christian will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis LaFleur officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Stanley, LA. Visitation will be held Friday, June 6, 2008, from 5:00 until 9:00 PM at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA.

Mr. Christian was born on November 15, 1916 in Oak Grove, Louisiana to Vaughn and Winnie Christian. He went to his Heavenly Home on June 2, 2008, joining his wife of 67 years, Mamie Christian. After graduating from Oak Grove High School, he served in the U. S. Army Air Corp during World War II as a Flight Engineer. He flew 35 missions before the war ended. Following his military service, he returned to Oak Grove (later named Stanley) and started Christian's Grocery with "Miss Mamie." In addition, he was an ordained Deacon at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and served in various capacities in the building and growth of the church. He was elected by the voters of Ward 3, Desoto Parish, to serve as their School Board Member for 30 years, including a time as President. He participated in the start up and operation of Stanley Gas System, Stanley Water System, Mt. Olivet Cemetery Committee, and the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department. He served as the First Mayor of Stanley. His most recent project, along with two friends, was moving a fence around the cemetery one eight foot panel a day.

Mr. Christian was a proud loving and fun loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Survivors include his daughter Cynthia Freeman and husband Ben; grandchildren, DeLynn Senna and husband Tony, Ben Leland Freeman III, and Alisa Freeman; one great grandchild, Nicolas Christian Senna; two sisters, Juanita Parker and Helen Wiley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

"Mr. Gordon" loved traveling, visiting Europe, New York, San Francisco, and many other places of interest, always returning home with interesting stories of a "Small Town Boy" in big cites mingling with those of all backgrounds. He was a self taught electrician, plumber, fence builder, gardener, top domino player and general jack of all trades, sharing his experiences with friends and neighbors in the Stanley Community.

Pallbearers will be Reuben Bryant, Ben Freeman, Ben Freeman III, Tony Senna, Morris Fletcher, Douglas McLaren, and Paul Walker.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Stacy, Sammy Stacy, Carl Parker, Dr. J. P. Austin, Tom Dodson, Lamar Nix, Dr. Walter Platt, Carlton McCoy, John Gannon, Kenneth Gannon, and members of the Stanley Fire Department.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mt. Olivet Cemetery; Dwena Henry in care of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 14320 HWY 84, Logansport, LA, 71049, (318)-697-4855. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield Chapel 318-872-4660