Bob E. Christian, 78, of Clearfield, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
He was born on June 12, 1941 in Morehead, Kentucky, a son of the late Addie and Dixie Butts Christian.
Bob was well known in the community as a sign painter for 50 years, beginning at the age of 14.
He was a veteran having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.
Bob was also known as a Radio Host for MSU Public Radio W.M.K.Y, where he co-hosted Bluegrass Diversion with Sandy Knipp for 24 years. He served as a Deputy Sheriff under Jack Carter and was currently serving as Constable for District 3.
He was a Kentucky Colonel, a life-time member of the Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126, a member of the 40/8 and a charter member of the National Museum of the American Indian.
Bob was a talented musician, specializing in the fiddle and guitar. He emceed many Bluegrass shows over the years, especially the Carter County and Poppy Mountain Festivals. He was also an author and self-published his memoir in 2012.
Because he had extensive knowledge and an American Indian Heritage, he founded the National Association of Métis Indians, Inc., which was established on September 13, 1972.
Bob loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and he enjoyed doing ancestry research.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, J. Warren Christian and an infant sister, Betty Lou Christian.
Survivors include one son, Joseph Desmond Christian and his wife, Lisa of London, Kentucky, one sister, Sue Christian of Morehead, sister-in-law, Donna Christian Bilbee of Lexington, Ohio, two grandchildren, Destiny Christian and Joseph Tyler Christian, three step-grandsons, Christopher, Jonathon and Dalton, four great-grandchildren, Landan, Brentley, Adrianna and Remington, one niece, Cindy Schopp and two nephews, Jeff Christian and Tim Christian and several other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 24, 2019 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Rev. Joey Damron officiating.
Full military rites will be conducted at the funeral home by the Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126.
Burial will be at 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast.
Visitation at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead is after 6:00 P.M. Friday.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Ward, Carl (“Sid”) Caudill, Litton Parker, Ed Hansen and Andrew Kidd.
The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead is caring for all arrangements.
(provided by Michael R. Gray Funeral Home)
