Robert S. Christian

Robert S. "Bobby" Christian, age 83, of Dallas, formerly of West, a beloved father, husband, grandfather and friend went home to heaven on March 9, 2010. Memorial graveside services will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday at White Rock Cemetery near Ross with Rev. John Beall officiating. A Memorial celebration and thanksgiving of his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Dallas, with Rev. Jay Cole officiating. Bobby (also known as Papa by his 10 grandchildren) was born on December 6, 1926 in West, Texas the son of Jewell (Howell) Christian and Shirley Christian. Bob graduated from West High School as salutatorian in 1944. His grandfather and father owned and operated Christian Hardware Store on Main Street in West for over 30 years until the early 1970's. He then attended Baylor University for one year until going into the Army at the end of World War II. He served in Korea for 20 months and then resumed his education at Baylor, receiving his BA Degree in 1949. At Baylor he was a founding member of Taurus Fraternity. He remained an active alumnus with Baylor and with Taurus (Beta Theta Pi). Bobby moved to Dallas in 1949. There he met his wife of 51 years, Martha (Beall) Christian. They were married in July 1958. In Dallas, he attended Southern Methodist University and received his MBA. After considering a career in the ministry, he chose a business career in the field of human resources which fit him well. He worked for several companies and then joined Preston State Bank where he spent many happy years as Director of Personnel. He loved working so close to his home and would often walk to work. After retirement, he began a new career as a Sales Associate at B. Dalton Books which combined his love of reading and people. He also served as a volunteer at Baylor Medical Center for several years which he also enjoyed immensely. Bobby was a third generation Methodist and fourth generation Texan, two titles of which he was very proud. He joined First United Methodist Church of Dallas in 1950. He was an active member of the church for many years and was a faithful servant there. Bobby was a devoted family man, always putting his family first. He had a great spirit for life up until his health deteriorated in 2002. He taught his children and grandchildren by example how to treat others with kindness and respect and how to be a loyal friend. His gentleness was evident to all. He will be remembered for his love of family and love of God. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Willingham and Elizabeth "Tissie" Padgett. Survivors include his beloved wife of 51 years, Martha; his three daughters and sons-in-law; Mary and Joe Taylor of Dallas, Anne and Tommy Broyles of Austin, and Emily and Chris Lewis of Ft. Worth; 10 grandchildren, Caroline, Ellen and Maggie Taylor, Madeline, Christian, Mia, and Colin Broyles, and Mary Ellen, Annie and Harrison Lewis. Memorials may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the First United Methodist Church of Dallas.