David Lee Christensen, 71, of Houston, died on March 17, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Born in Tyler, Minn., on Aug. 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Charlie and Esther (Jorgensen) Christensen.
David was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gerald and Leroy Christensen; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Christensen; nephew, Steven Baitinger; and his best friend, Bill Chambers.
David graduated from Pipestone High School in 1961 and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country in the Air Wing until his honorable discharge in 1966.
On May 3, 2003, David married his soulmate, Brenda. Deeply devoted to each other, together they enjoyed gardening, attending Nagle Christian Church and spending time with their large family whom they loved dearly and rejoiced in the time they were able to spend together.
David loved animals and adored spoiling his dogs Buddy, Scamper and Sadie. He was a faithful follower of the St Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals and Green Bay Packers. He also relished in the time he spent outdoors, especially mornings on his porch drinking coffee, reading the sports page and observing the birds and squirrels. He took great pride in helping his friends and family whenever needed. Finally, David enjoyed the time he spent with Pastor Terry Snelling revitalizing the Nagle School House.
David is survived by his wife, Brenda of Houston; seven sons, Doug Christensen of Houston, Rocky Jackson of Las Vegas, Nev., Donnie Cornman of Houston, Stanley Cornman of Houston, Erik Cornman and companion, Autumn, of Houston, Jamie Cornman and wife, Erin, of Landisville, Pa., and Josh Perkins of Houston; three daughters, Kimberly Hurt and husband, Danny, of Licking, Stephanie Cornman of Houston and Teri Ridge of Tulsa, Okla.; nine grandchildren, Rachel, Ethan, Jude, Dominick, Eli, Zeke, Evan, Cassie, Kendra, Tri and Jade; five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Kayleigh, Kyleigh, Kenadie and Leah; a sister, Marie Schmidt and husband, Warner, of Weeki Wachee, Fla.; aunt Jeanette and uncle Bob Williams of Springfield; aunt Hope Mosier of Lake Benton, Minn.; uncle Nels Jorgensen of Henderson, Minn; and his church family, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
David was an inspiring and wonderful husband, father, papa, and friend to every person he met. He will be tremendously missed by all who will revel in the peace of knowing he is free from pain and sitting with our Lord in Heaven.
The family hosted a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Nagle Christian Church with Dr. Terry Snelling officiating. A private family inurnment will be in Oakdale Cemetery. Mr. Christensen was cremated under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Mercy Health Foundation, 3265 S National Ave. Springfield, MO 65807. (In the memo please add: CVS/Heart Hospital) To send an online condolence, please go to www.evansfh.com.
PAID
