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Robert L. Christopher

Robert Christopher Obituary

Robert L. Christopher Battle Creek Robert "Chris" L. Christopher, 86, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away at the Laurels of Bedford on Friday, October 8, 2010. He was born August 19, 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia. Chris served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Tec-5. Robert graduated in 1942 from Battle Creek Central High School. He was musically trained at the Talladega College in Alabama and received his Masters degree from Western Michigan; later studying music and theater extensively at U of M. He was very knowledgeable and very self controlled playing the correct chords and notes. Chris credited his musical inspiration to his mother. He worked for the former Lakeview General Osteopathic Hospital for over 20 years as an operating room surgical technician. He had helped with the annual hospital talent shows. Chris had never married. He is survived by his cousin: Elaine Mathis of Lansing, MI. Mr. Christopher had played the organ and piano for his home church of Mount Zion and played for many funerals. Chris was an accomplished musician and literally had rhythm and music flowing through his veins into his hands. With his passing we have lost a great musician, friend and a man with a tremendous sense of humor. He played for several dance bands. Chris was an active member of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as Musical Director for over 30 years. The church focused on his musical accomplishments in a feature story about him in the Battle Creek Enquirer several years ago. He once said, "You can always find a hymn that fits the mood you are in." Visitation will be on Thursday (October 14, 2010) from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert "Chris" Christopher will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dr. Micheal A. Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to Mount Zion A. M. E. Church. You are encouraged to leave remembrances on his memorial page at www.bachmanhebble.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Oct. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Christopher

18 Entries

Ellen Mazique-Sydloski

December 6, 2010

Chris was a very gentle kind man. He played at our wedding making it more personal and meaningful for us. As a child I always remember him with a hugh smile. He was a very close friend of my mother and he will be greatly missed.

BriAnne Dixon

October 16, 2010

Mr. Christopher was a very dear friend with the greatest sense of humor. He will truly be missed. I am so glad that he adopted my friends and I as part of his family. My condolences to his family. God bless.

Cecelia & James Graham

October 15, 2010

Mr Christopher, lovingly known as Poppa Christopher to me, was such an asset to the Battle Creek community & to the Graham family. He was gentle, kind & patient. The kind of man who always thought of others first. The day of his serious automobile accident he was going from Merrywood Country Club to get his C.D player for me to use as the guest soloist at the Negro Business & Professional Womens luncheon because mine would not work. That is the kind of "do what I can for others" person he was. When my Mother & father-in law & son passed he came to Fort Wayne to play at their funerals. His playing was a "blessing" to our families & all who were in attendance. He also provided the music for my daughter Angie's wedding.
I learned so much from him as my favorite musician. He taught me so much about singing techniques to help me improve my singing. I will be forever grateful for all he has done for me and my family.

Thess: 5:18 says in everything give him thanks."
we thank GOD for your life. May you forever rest in peace Poppa "C." I know you are with GOD playing in his heavenly orchestra.

Cecelia,James Graham,Jr., & family

Lucille Hicks

October 15, 2010

'Chris' was always a good & kind man all the many years I've known him.

Babbette Wilson

October 14, 2010

He was a really good friend of and to my mom,Virginia Wilson. I could always depend on him to make her laugh. Rest in peace Robert

Virginia Wilson

October 14, 2010

In loving memory of Robert who adopted us as part of his family.
He was dedicated, faithful, and loyal as a choir director and thru his music he touched many, many lives.
He was a good and true friend who will be long remembered and greatly missed

Virginia Wilson

October 14, 2010

In loving memory of Robert who adopted us as part of his family.
He was dedicated, faithful,and loyal as a choir director and thru his music he touched many, many lives.
He was a good and funny friend who will be long remembered and greatly missed.

Susan Barber

October 14, 2010

Chris came into my life when I hired him to be my assistant in the AARP Senior Employment Office. Little did I know that he would become more than an assistant. He became a good friend. He was an honorable man; a man of his word; a person you could count on to support you and bring a smile to your heart when you needed it. I feel blessed that he passed through my life and that I could call him friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we all will be better people having known him.

Lynnette Wilson

October 13, 2010

It was a great honor to have known Chris.
He will be sadly missed.

Winnie Wallace

October 13, 2010

To my dear friend, Mr. Christopher, I will miss you. Mr. Christopher became my surrogot parent when I lost my mother, he was a great friend of my parents and my children and I will truly miss him. Rest well in the Lord my friend, you will rest in our hearts forever. Your music will continue to live on.

Lori Tuggle Williams

October 13, 2010

My first memory of Mr. Christopher is from growing up at Mt. Zion AME. However I remember him most because he was a wonderful friend (gossip buddy) to my granny, Kate Tuggle. May he rest in peace.

Ruth Carr

October 13, 2010

Mr. Christopher was a wonderful musician. He was a contemporary of my mother and I always thought he was a nice, soft-spoken man. As I grew older, I became aware that he had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He always encouraged me to keep moving up in my profession. I will always remember his grin and, especially, his organ/piano duets with Simon.

TJ & Marilyn Walters

October 13, 2010

Mr. Christopher, we will miss you.

October 13, 2010

Mr. Christopher had great hands in surgery as well as a musician. My favorite assitant. GOD rest him well. Dr.David Wright

Kentwood, Michigan

Janice Dickerson-Alexander

October 13, 2010

Mr. Christopher will be missed. I've known him all my life and he was a focal point for Mt. Zion AME, which is my church home that I grew up in. He always had encouraging words and was full of laughter. He always made time for others, a gentle soul and a gifted musician...

Becci Dockum and Izzy Ter Berg

October 13, 2010

I didn't know Chris very well but he was such a sweet man. he always had a smile on his face.I met him beause my mom is a resident there at Laurels. He will be greatly missed.

Simon Chandler

October 13, 2010

Mr. Robert Lee Christopher "Chris" will be surely missed and cannot be replaced. He was a true friend and a musician of exceptional abillity. I was a true blessing to have had the privilege to play with him and learn from him. His wit was one of a kind. If you were having a bad day he would sense it and soon have you laughing before you were aware of it. He has assumed his place in the staff of musicians and singers in the heavenly choir. Like you theme song you will "Rise Again".

Tina Dickerson-Cross

October 13, 2010

mr. christopher will be surely missed, being raised up at mt.zion church, listening to his musical talents and great jokes. we all loved him and will always keep him in our hearts. mr. christopher is one of God's angels and will be watching over us all.

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