Arthur Ray Christian

Arthur R. "Art" Christian shed the mortal reigns of this third rock from the sun, entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and has, at last, embraced his everlasting life with Yahweh.

Art passed away at the age of 84 in the ICU wing of St. Francis Muskogee Hospital on May 23rd, 2025, after suffering a stroke and the complications it created.

Art was born April 25th, 1941, in Pawnee County to Arthur Clarence Christian and Lottie Leora (Reeder) Christian. He was the firstborn of six brothers and one sister. He spent the first part of his childhood around the Glencoe and Stillwater area until the family moved to Bixby during his primary school years. He graduated from Bixby High School in 1959. While in school, Art worked in the meat department of Brassfield's Market, where he met his first wife, Helen Lee (Mulkey) Christian, and they were wed on June 17th, 1961. From that union were born two sons. Michael R. Christian and Matthew J. Christian.

After high school, Art was involved in the Army Reserves and the Tulsa Auxiliary Police, which were his side hustles, among many he had through his early employed life, which began with a Sand Springs company called Sheffield Steel. Later, he was employed with Century Electronics building pressure switches, where he worked his way up to Production Supervisor. He then transitioned into a similar position with Byron Jackson Pumps and was employed there for several years until he gained employment with Petro-Chem Development Company as an Expediter in 1981. He, again, with his strong work ethic, attained the position of Purchasing Manager and held that position until his retirement in 2007, but was asked to return from retirement to the company to help facilitate its Tulsa office, which he did until his second and final retirement.

In 1980, Art met and became totally enamored with Kathy White and her daughter Angela. They had a courtship that was one for the ages and only rivaled by that of the Royal family. They were joined in marital bliss on May 29th, 1981, and resided in Tulsa, OK, and Broken Arrow, OK, until the last of their children flew the nest. At that time, they decided to fulfill their dream of owning land. They purchased a farm and moved just outside of Morris, OK, where they acquired enough land to have cattle, chickens, dogs, cats, and all the vegetation that they could plant into the yard around their little farmhouse.

From an early onset, Art was known for his curiosity and absolute love of all things electronic. He was, without a doubt, a jack of all trades and without realizing it, master of most. He was very much a logical thinker and very practical. He could fix pretty much any type of broken item brought to him, and if he didn't know how to, by his sheer resolve, he would figure it out. He also loved camping and boating on the lake, fishing, being part of, and participating in, the ARRL of the HAM radio realm, as well as woodworking.

He and Kathy were avid church goers and loved the Lord with all their hearts and the congregations of the churches they attended. Art's favorite verse was Psalms 23, and his favorite hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross," was very near and dear to his heart.

He and Kathy were very much HUGE supporters of their children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and were extremely proud of them and all of their accomplishments.

Art is survived by his children, Michael R. Christian and his wife Margaret of Oktaha, OK. Angela L. Fox of Boynton, OK. Matthew J. Christian and his wife Benita of Bixby, OK. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Teddy Newell IV and partner Karen Creason of Oktaha, OK, and Benton Christian of Bixby, OK. His great-granddaughter Maddison Brown and husband Garrett of Oktaha, OK, and great-great-granddaughter Elsie Sue. He is also survived by one brother, Freddie V. Christian and his wife Sharlene of Pryor, OK., and a host of nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Christian, and his parents, Arthur and Lottie Christian. Five brothers, Douglas, Alvin, James, Donald, Lyndal, and one sister, Charlotte. Art will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. Until we see each other again, Brother, Dad, Pop, Uncle, Grandpa, Papa.

This is N5XIJ, thanks for the contact. 73 and clear on your final.

Services have been entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Friends & family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com