Gerald Wayne Christopher, 89, of Beaumont, died Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Jefferson Nursing and Rehab Center, Beaumont. A native and lifelong resident of Beaumont, he was born on December 5, 1924, to Tunis Daugherty Christopher and Skelton Alvin Christopher. Gerald attended Beaumont High School where he met his sweetheart and the love of his life, Janice Elizabeth Conn. Shortly after graduating in 1942, he entered the United States Army, serving in the Pacific Theater. At the end of World War II, he returned to Beaumont where he was employed at Magnolia Petroleum Co. Refinery which later became Mobil Oil where he remained until his retirement as safety supervisor in 1985. In 1990, he joined Allco Construction Company as safety director until his retirement.
Gerald, along with his wife, was active in many youth programs. He was active in Boy Scouts of America for many years servicing as assistant scout master of Troop No. 14, and chairmen of Troop Counsel. For a number of years, he served in various positions with the South Beaumont Lions Little League. Along with his wife, they were the adult counselors for Roberts Avenue Methodist Church Senior High MYF. He was active with the American Red Cross as an instructor in several categories. For many years, he was an instructor at Lamar Industrial Fire School. At the times of his death, he was active in Tolerance Masonic Lodge No. 1165, and was a Mason for many years which during that time had many honors bestowed upon him. From birth until 1995, he was a member of Roberts Avenue Methodist Church at which time he became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his children, Sondra Mayfield and her husband, Mike and Rodger Christopher and his wife, Sarah, all of Beaumont; Blake Christopher and his wife, Ladonna, of Kirbyville; and Brent Christopher and his wife, Patricia, of Lumberton; grandchildren; Christopher Mayfield, Shelby Collins, Josh Christopher, Jenna Christopher, Morgan Christopher, Cody Christopher, Sarah Bowerman, Kelli Jones, Sam Jones, Eric Christopher, Caleb Christopher, Dustin Christopher, and Nicholas Christopher; and seventeen great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-nine years, Janice Elizabeth Christopher; and his parents.
A gathering celebration of Mr. Christopher’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled under the direction of Broussard’s. A family committal will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregiver of nine years, Edith Harness.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.
