Obituary: Fred Augusta Christian

Fred Augusta Christian died Feb. 9, 2013 in Athens. He was born May 7, 1923 in Claremore, Okla. to parents Fred R. and Myrtle Rutherford Christian. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather J.C. Holland; sisters, Marie Bennett and Shelia George.

Fred is survived by his wife of 66 years, Billie Frances Christian; daughter, Lydia Haynes and husband Bruce; son, Larry Christian and wife Betty, all of Athens; granddaughter, Christi Stelter and husband Brandon, McKinney; step-grandsons, Larry Adair, Mexia, Tracy Adair, Center, Brad Adair, Athens, Shane Adair, Diboll and eight step-great-grandchildren.

Fred was raised in Odessa where he graduated from Odessa High School. He attended John Tarleton College and later earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s in education and administration at East Texas State University. While at East Texas he played football two years. Fred served in the United States Army from 1942-1945 where he took part in the D-Day invasion of Europe. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star with clusters, Bronze Star with clusters and numerous other campaign awards. He valued his military service very deeply and was even able to play football while in occupation.

Fred served a 35-year tenure with Ector County Independent School District as a teacher, coach and retired as Transportation Director. He was proud to have been on the Permian High School coaching staff. He was president of the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation on two occasions. He served as an official for the Ector County Teachers Credit Union. Fred loved raising Quarter Horses and was a director of the Ector County Rodeo Association. His other hobby’s included watching football games. He devoted several years as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff with Ector County Sheriff’s Department.

If desired memorial may be made to Genesis Hospice, 201 St. Thomas Athens, Texas 75751.