CHRISTENBERRY, Charles Melvin

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Charles Melvin “Chris” Christenberry died at his Lake Havasu City home Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. He was born Sept. 13, 1926, to Lewis and Mary Edith (Cunningham) Christenberry in Veedersburg, Ind., and grew up in the farm community of Pine Village, Ind., graduating from Pine Village High School in 1944. He enrolled at Ball State University and was drafted into the US Army in December, 1944. He served for 21 and one half years, including tours in Germany and Korea, and was honorably discharged in September, 1966. This was his first career choice. After receiving his BS degree in Business Administration from Roosevelt University, Chicago, he worked as a hospital materials manager at two hospitals in the Chicago area, at St Luke’s in Boise, Idaho, and at King Khalid Military City in Saudi Arabia. This was his second career choice. Chris moved to Lake Havasu City in 1979 and after his return from Saudi Arabia in 1982, he began his third career choice - volunteering and attending meetings. For over 22 years he managed and oversaw operation of the Lake Havasu Community Food Bank. Along with it, he served as member and officer of the Interagency Council Board, United Way volunteer, WACOG representative. He was member and officer in the Republican Forum, Republican Men’s Club, Republican precinct committeeman and officer in District III; he was a member and officer of Golden Kiwanis; he was a lifetime member of the Military Officers Assn and charter member and officer of the Colorado River Chapter, (TROA) MOAA; he humbly received the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award in 1997 and the Western Welcome of Arizona’s Past Presidents Award for volunteer extraordinaire in 2002. Chris was baptized/confirmed in the Lutheran faith Dec. 20, 1962, at St Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights Ill., and served as elder, council member, committee member, worship assistant, usher at his church homes there, in Boise, and at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, where he was married to Betty Pabst on Nov. 21, 1981. He was especially thankful to God for his involvement and service with the Lutheran Cursillo Movement of Arizona, the Light in the Desert Via de Cristo, and his “Group”. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Floyd; wives, Mary and Irene Hartmann Christenberry; daughter, Patricia Christenberry; and son, Richard Hartmann. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Faye Christenberry and Lynn Kace; sons, Gregory Christenberry and Dennis Hartmann; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; nieces and nephews; sisters and brothers-in-law. A memorial service, led by Pr Jim Price, will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m., followed by inurnment in the Columbarium Garden and a luncheon reception in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in his name be given to the Mount Olive Lutheran Church Building Fund, 2170 Havasupai Blvd, 86403; the Lake Havasu Community Food Bank, 1940 Mesquite Ave, 86403; or Hospice of Havasu, Box 597, 86405. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.