Brian Christian

Brian Christian, 51, of Sidney, Ohio passed during the portal of the total lunar eclipse, March 14, 2025. Brian was Born August 10, 1973, in Troy, Oh. to April Redding Christian and David Christian.
Brian leaves behind his beloved sons, Alex Jordan Christian of Piqua, OH, and Seth Steven Jones, now a student at Ohio University, Athens, OH, his Loving Mother April Schmidlapp of Richmond, IN, and his Stepfather Steve Schmidlapp of Piqua, OH, brother and sister, Dustin (Ashley) Christian, Centerville, OH, Ashley (Brendan) Rubenstein of Wellington, FL, and his paternal grandmother Mary Alice Christian of Piqua, OH. He was preceded in death by his father, David Christian, his master builder grandfather, Donald Christian, and his beloved "granny", Glenna Jean Redding Clark.
Brian attended Piqua City Schools, and Upper Valley JVS where his ancestral carpentry skills emerged with brilliance and grandeur, making him a top prize winner in the JVS Carpentry Olympics. Brian was destined for stardom as he became a self-employed master carpenter, remodeler, and builder. Many homeowners throughout the Miami Valley were impressed with Brian's ability to transform ordinary spaces into beautiful, comfortable, and remarkable living areas. Brian attended Edison State Community College, then AHIT where he earned a Certificate in Building Inspection. By mid-life, Brian became a visionary artist, music festival art creator, and builder of large art installations such as ones used at the Electric Forrest Music Festivals held in Rothbury, Michigan.
Brian loved cooking his self-inspired dishes and meals for his friends and family, and entertaining at "The River" where he beautifully landscaped and maintained his gorgeous flowers and artistic expressions.
April and Steve created a wonderful life for Brian as their family living at "The River" where many friends came for entertainment, outdoor recreation, and joy. Most noted friends of Brian and considered "April's boys" were Ryan Robinson, Jason Jacoby, and Eric Baumann who regularly spent time at "The River" camping, fishing, canoeing, and being great "brothers". Brian was lovingly raised by the Christian and Schmidlapp families throughout his childhood, and even through divorce. Steve Schmidlapp will forever remain a most beloved and respected influence on Brian's life with devotion.
Pat and Jim Walters, including their family, Greg and Julie, left an indelible mark in Brian's life where they not only employed him with work over the years but were directly responsible for expanding Brian's business opportunities to their surrounding friends and neighbors in Beavercreek, Oakwood, and Xenia areas. Brian always felt like a part of their family and was eternally grateful for their trust and love.
Brian will be deeply missed for his generosity, creative inspiration, and desire to help others. Through his art he met some true "tribal friends", including Tara, Michael, Alicia, Heather, Ryan, and many others.
A celebration of Brian's life for all who loved Brian will be held April 19th at 2 pm at "The River". We will gather for a celebration to include music, food, art, personal sharing, and a COMM-UNITY planting of a "Tree of Life" in Brian's memory. His ashes will be scattered there.
Arrangements are being handled by Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home, Piqua, Oh.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.melcher-sowers.com.