Craig D Christner

Craig Douglas Christner, 73, died May 9, 2016.

Born June 19, 1942 in Akron, OH to Milton E. and L. Imogene Christner, he graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in1960 and from Grove City College in 1964 with a double major, History and Education. He took a commission in the U.S. Air Force in 1964, married Lynda D. Crane, and moved to California. As a military Education and Training Officer, he conducted briefings on Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles from 1964-1967 and then transferred to Washington DC to AFSC Headquarters 1967-1971.

He received Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1968 and spent the rest of his life serving Him and telling everyone he met about the One who loves us and died for us to give us new life here on earth and everlasting life in heaven. He transferred to Akron, OH for a Master's Degree and Medical separation from the military (Diabetes). Craig was CEO of a company marketing education materials and Development Director at CVCA for 5 years. He received a Master's Degree in Christian School Administration in 1983 from Grace College and was Ordained a Minister in the Grace Brethren Fellowship and served as interim pastor at Fairlawn Grace Brethren Church. He was
Principal/Superintendent of Akron Christian Schools for 18 years prior to medical retirement.

Preceded in death by his father; he is survived by his wife, Lynda D. Christner (nee Crane); daughters, Elizabeth Chopin (Rene) of New Orleans, Deborah Curtis (Robert) of Akron, Rebekah Kear (Kelton) of Akron; grandchildren, Megan Jensen (Andrew), Rene Chopin IV (Rebecca), Erin and Sarah Chopin, Alexandra, Madeline, Zoe and Robert Curtis IV, Hannah and Haley Kear; mother, Imogene Christner of Kentucky; brothers, David (Janice) Christner of Kentucky, Mark Christner of Columbus; many other relatives and close friends.

Services will be held 5 p.m. SUNDAY at Grace Church, Bath Campus, 754 Ghent Rd., with Rev. Jeff Bogue officiating. Private Interment with Military Honors at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the church SUNDAY from 3-5 p.m. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)