Dennis Perry Christian

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Perry Christian on Dec. 31, 2023 after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 66 years old. Perry was born to Dennis and Doris Christian on September 27, 1957 in the small town of Mullens, West Virginia. The family moved to the westside of Indianapolis in the early 1960s so that Dennis could pursue his Ph.D. degree. During his time in Wayne Township schools, Perry excelled in both academics and sports (he held the BDHS men's record for the farthest shot put throw for several years). He met his future wife, Susan, when he was a sophomore. They both graduated in 1976. After a few years at Indiana State University, he began his six year enlistment in the Navy's nuclear power program. His first assignment was to the USS Carl Vinson, and the second, to the USS Nimitz. His Navy skill set complemented his later career at Eli Lilly, where he worked as an operator in the Pilot Plant, and then as a supervisor. He also worked in the Environmental Health & Safety area ensuring company compliance with OSHA regulations, among other responsibilities. After retiring from Lilly in 2013, he began yet a third career at the Plainfield Meijer. He spent his days setting up merchandise "plan-o-grams," "pack muling" (hauling heavy stuff), and encouraging his co-workers. It wasn't about the money, he just cared about the people. Perry was one of those people who shared kindness and a smile with everyone he met. It didn't matter who they were--the state governor or the homeless guy at the shopping center. Everyone was important to him. He had this special quality that enabled him to strike up a conversation with anyone with the greatest of ease. He lived up to his "Christian" name. He would frequently wear a cross necklace to share with someone who was having a particularly bad or sad day. He loved God, his family, and his friends dearly. He also loved the unusual, the strange, the funny, and the silly. Things like Bigfoot, Mothman, UFOs, old scary movies on Svengoolie, Monty Python, Dr. Demento, and rubber chickens. His sense of humor helped him overcome the bumps in life. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Susan; son, David (Elizabeth Coody) Scott; daughters, Whitney Fisher, and Katie Christian; mother, Doris Christian; sister, Paula White; and brother, Mike (Tawny) Christian; along with lots of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Perry's life on Saturday, March 2, 2 p.m., at Hampton Gentry Funeral Home, 106 Shaw St,. Plainfield, IN. Calling is immediately preceding from 12:30--2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to RAPHA RESTORATION MINISTRIES, 9218 Moore Road, Zionsville, IN 46077. info@rapharestoration.org.