Gary Neal Christman

With deep sadness, the family of Gary Neal Christman announces his passing on Nov. 3, 2025 in Longview, Washington, while under hospice care. Gary, 72, was born on Feb. 27, 1953 to Lowell and Aileene Christman in Bryan, Ohio, where he spent his childhood, with his older brother Greg, aunts, uncles, cousins and childhood friends.

Gary graduated from Bryan High School and attended University of Cincinnati before moving to Astoria, Oregon, to study oceanography at Clatsop Community College.

In Astoria, Gary worked at Shakey's pizza, where he became manager, enjoyed customers and made lifelong friends. In June 1975 he met his future wife, Dixie, who remembers she had to visit Shakey's several times and eat a lot of pizza before he took the hint and asked her out. They were married on Feb. 19, 1976, and she survives.

Gary left Shakey's to work at Columbia Fruit and Produce, retiring in 2014. After six months, he began working part-time for Franz Bakery and retired for good in 2018.

Early hobbies included photography, model railroading, watching Nascar and other sports. Gary enjoyed working in the yard, relaxing on the patio, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles and visiting with friends and neighbors. He had a lifelong love of 60s and 70s rock music, a passion he happily shared with his grandson, Andrew.

Gary and Dixie lived in Warrenton and Hammond, Oregon, until moving to Longview, Washington, in 2024.

In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his son, Anthony (Alison) Christman and daughter, Jennifer (Graham) Bailey; grandchildren, Ashley, Andrew, Aubrey and Zachary Christman of Silverdale, Washington, and Ethan and Logan Bailey of Eugene Oregon; brother, Greg (Debbie) Christman of Cortland, Ohio; brother-in-law, David (Susan) Brewer of Astoria, Oregon; sister-in-law, Deanna (DeeDee) (Kearney) Davis of Longview, Washington; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

While our hearts mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.

A celebration of Gary's life is planned for a future date. The family looks forward to sharing love, laughter and many "Gary" stories with those able to attend.

To share thoughts or a message, visit Gary's online memorial book: www.covenantfuneralhome.com/obituary/gary-christman.