Mr. Robert Thomas “Bob” Christian, 100, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Indianapolis. He was born in Lebanon, Indiana on June 13, 1921, a son of the late Thomas L. “Tommy” and Winnie Mae (Ashley) Christian.
On September 28, 1946, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Fae (Hollingsworth) Christian. They had celebrated sixty-six years together before she passed away on November 23, 2012
On July 20, 1942, Bob was inducted into the United States Army and was assigned to the 109th Engineers (Combat), 34th Infantry Division as a clerk typist. He was sent to Casablanca, Morocco and then travelled to Oran and Algiers, Algeria. He then left for Tunisia and took a ship to Italy. While serving in Italy, he visited Rome and Florence. After being away for 3 years, 3 months, and 6 days, Bob returned to Camp Atterbury. On November 9, 1945, his parents and 15-year-old sister, who he hadn’t seen in over three years, picked him up to take him home.
Upon his return, Bob finished his bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Wabash College. In 1951, he began work for Western Electric in Indianapolis as an electrical engineer. He retired after 34 years of service. After retirement he told his family, “I cannot remember going to work and not enjoying myself.”
Bob was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion, and VFW. He and his wife loved to travel, so he took her to Italy to show her the sites he had visited and served during WWII. He loved to play Bridge and golf during his retirement years. He also enjoyed playing the piano and other instruments.
In June 2021 his family celebrated his centennial birthday with a dinner. At that time, Bob shared with the family his handwritten birth certificate which everyone enjoyed seeing.
Survivors include his two children, Terrence W. Christian and Melissa C. Ebert; grandson, Matthew C. Ebert; great grandson, Aiden C. Ebert; brother-in-law, James Hilboldt; nieces and nephews, James Hilboldt, Katherine Farrell, Suzanna Hilboldt, Thomas Hilboldt, Melanie Goff, Perry Irwin, Todd Irwin, Kristina Smiley, and all of their families.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Hilboldt; brother, Charles Christian; son-in-law, Steven L. Ebert; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Brontelle “Brontë” Christian; and two grandchildren, Benjamin Thomas Ebert and Holly Kristen Ebert.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Myers Mortuary with military rites.
