Robert C. Christman

EATON — Robert Curtis "Curt" Christman, passed away on June 6, 2023, at Grandview Hospital in Dayton.

He was born on Oct. 9, 1936, to the late Charlie and Blanche (Thompson) Christman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Ann (2006), son Chip Christman (2018), fiancé Maureen Bolinger (2018) and his beloved cat, JJ.

Curt is survived by his son Robert (Kelly) Christman; daughter-in-law Mary Christman; grandchildren Joslyn (John) O'Grady, Jacob Christman, John Christman, Matthew Dunham and Olivia Christman; great-grandchildren Gavin and Owen O'Grady; cousins Joann and Jack Whitman, John and Christa Brumbaugh and Mark and Katheryn Brumbaugh; as well as many dear close friends.

Curt was raised on the family farm in Eaton. He joined the Army in 1955, serving his tour of duty in Germany. After his honorable discharge he returned to Eaton and worked at Landmark Grain Elevator before taking a position with Kaiser Agricultural Chemical Plant Eaton. In 1962 he married Ruth Ann Longnecker and together they raised their two sons. In 1980, Curt went into business for himself purchasing Armacost Elevator, which became Christman Crop Service; servicing the agricultural needs of Preble County's farmers. His solid reputation in the community and friendly relationships with local farmers were key factors to his success.

One of Curt's greatest interests was aviation. He owned a Piper Cherokee, and was both a pilot and an instructor. He enjoyed flying somewhere just to get a hamburger. A true patriot, Curt was a proud member of American Legion Post 215 where he was a past commander. He was a member of the Preble County Honor Guard. On Veteran's Day he devoted his time to sharing that love by speaking at schools and churches. As a voracious reader of history, with a special interest in WWII aviation. Curt had plenty of fascinating material to draw from.

He was also a long-time member of the Lions Club. He was proud of his grandchildren and their achievements. Curt loved traveling. He and Ruth Ann traveled the world, visiting many states and countries, including Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean Islands, Panama Canal, England, Russia, Australia, Baltic Sea, and the Eastern Seaboard to name but a few. On a Panama Canal cruise, Curt and Ruth Ann met an Englishman, Bill. They became lifetime friends and visited each other often.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 12, from 4:-7 p.m. at the Gard Funeral Home, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton. Funeral service for Curt will be held on Tuesday, June 13, at 11 a.m. at the Eaton United Methodist Church, 120 N. Maple Street, Eaton. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery, also in Eaton.

Memorial donations can be made to the United Methodist Church or the YMCA.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.