Stanley Christian Jr.
1945-2020
Stanley Christian Jr. was born on August 17, 1945 on a Naval base in San Diego, California. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley Christian Sr. and Betty Christian. Stanley (aka Butch) passed away on December 2, 2020 at the age of 75.
Stan is survived by his wife of 17 years, Dianna Christian. She has been the only woman that could tame this wild Mustang. She has loved him with all that she has. He is also survived by his children Joseph Christian and wife Jenny, Candice Young and husband Dustin, Taylor Morgan and wife Mallory, Casey Auer and husband Mark, Valerie Poehler and husband Ryan. Stan was also loved by his 14 grandchildren: Christian Young, Aiden Young, Preston Young, Grayson Christian, Nolan Wyatt Christian, Liam Morgan, Sawyer Morgan, Journey Morgan, Jolee Morgan, Walker Morgan, Dakota Poehler, Parker Poehler, and Reagan Poehler. He is also survived by his sisters’ Stacy Evett, and Stephanie Stites. He was treasured by a host of family, and dear friends.
Stanley was a career military man. He joined the United States Army on March 27, 1967 and attended OCS in Ft. Benning, GA. Upon the completion of OCS he went to Advanced Infantry School, and as a 2nd Lieutenant, Stan was the Basic Training Company Commander. After spending some time as a Commander he attended, Advanced Rotor Wing Flight School. Shortly after he conquered Flight School, he went on to become a Helicopter Pilot. Stan, flew a UH1C Huey Helicopter Gunship in Vietnam. Butch served in Vietnam from 1968-1971 on many tours. One way or another, Captain Stanley Christian Jr.brought all of his men home.
He earned many high achievements throughout his military career. He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart with Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Aviator Badge, and his Airborne Wings. He was a true American Hero.
Stan was a loving husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend. He enjoyed spending time cooking large meals for his family, taking his grandchildren for ice cream, attending as many sporting events that they participated in as possible, traveling, going to the casino with his buddies, riding his Harley, collecting guns, shopping for groceries, collecting classic model cars, his cat Copper, and not listening. He often didn’t heed our advice and did it anyway. Spending time with his family was number one in his book. He went out of his way to make sure that everyone came first before him, and had such a tender heart. He was an active member of Out of the Box Church in Blanchard, Oklahoma. To say that he will be deeply missed is an understatement. We love you Stanley Christian Jr. Well done Captain, well done…
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made on Stanley Christian, Jr’s behalf to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund based in Arlington Virginia.
https://donate.vvmf.org/page/contribute/support-vvmf-now
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 7, 2020 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to the health environment. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Then click on ‘Videos’ then ‘Live Streams’.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs, with deepest sympathy as you remember Butch. I know Dave and Butch are now flying high again in the Heavenly Skies, on a new adventure.
Thank you for your kind words about my Father. I know he loved your husband very much. I grew up hearing many stories about those two. God bless you Kathy.
A patriot; a warrior; a friend; a Mustang. God speed.
Thank you R.J.
God bless you!!
45 years ago, Captain Christian kept me employed as a college student. Although I was an ROTC Cadet at the time, we all looked up to him as a, “Big Brother” because he was 10 years our senior. Everyone wanted to be like him as he was our version of an “Oklahoma James Bond”!
He was a part of my fondest memories of college life.
Thank-you for being my friend and mentor, sir. There will never be another like you!
It was an honor today to get to know your precious Butch. The service was such a beautiful tribute. Continued prayers for each and everyone. I am very grateful for his service to our Country and even though I did not have the opportunity to meet him on earth I will cherish the moment when we meet in heaven.
Love you, Tammie. Thank you for those sweet words, prayers and love.