Richard Christy

Richard Christy, age 86, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away, Friday, January 2, 2009 at his home. He was born March 14, 1922, at Central City, Kansas, the son of Odie W. and Zelma (Coberly) Christy. He graduated from Garnett High School with the Class of 1939. Richard served in the Army during World War II. He married Edith Umbarger on September 5, 1953 at Garnett, Kansas. This union was blessed with three daughters, Joanne, Susan and Katharine. After returning from WWII, he worked at the Garnett Church Furniture Factory in Garnett for over ten years, he owned a grocery store in Kansas City, Kansas, called Christy's Market for seven years. Then returned to Garnett and purchased the Gambles Store, where he retired after twenty-two years. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Garnett and served in many capacities. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #44, Garnett VFW Post #6397, Garnett Rotary and the Garnett Chamber of Commerce. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Odie and Zelma Christy; and three brothers, John Christy; Howard Christy; and Frank Christy. He is survived by his wife, Edith Christy of the home; three daughters, Joanne Eden and husband Jack of Lawrence, Kansas; Susan Wingham and husband Allen of Madison, Indiana; and Katharine Friesen and husband Dan of Olathe, Kansas; Eight grandchildren; Angela McCain, Sheila Garza, Elizabeth Robinson, Rebecca Robinson, Andrea Riddle, Richard Friesen, Randall Friesen, and Wesley Wingham, and four great grandchildren; Carson Rutherford, Elizabeth Garza, Victoria Garza and Kaelyn McCain; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett, with burial to follow at the Garnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church. The family will be present to greet friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.