Johnny William “Pops” Christian, a veteran in the United States Marine Corps, passed away Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in Durant, Okla., at the age of 80. Pops was born to Chester and Beulah Christian on July 29, 1940, in Durant, Oklahoma.
Pops enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Durant, Okla. in 1958. He was Honorably Discharged in 1962 as a Corporal. He was proud of his service and something he treasured. Pops worked at the Deleon Peanut Company and Durant Box Factory as a laborer for more than 30 years. He also was an artist, carving many things with wood. He was known as the Birdman of Durant, Okla. because of his wood carvings. In Pops’ younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and once older he took up the hobby of gardening.
Pops is survived by his sons, Johnny Christian and wife Teresa of Durant, Okla., Michael Christian and wife Veda of Oklahoma City, Okla.; daughter, Elizabeth McIver and husband Roger of Blair, Okla.; brother, Wilbur (Bo) Christian of Durant, Okla.; grandchildren: Joshua Christian, Jonell Ellis, Kimo Puana, Jacob Christian all of Durant, Okla. and Michael Christian of Atoka, Okla.; great-grandchildren: Jace Christian and Donovan Ellis of Durant, Okla. and Jetson Christian of Durant, Okla., Aria Puana and Eli Puana, all of Durant, Okla.
Pops is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Christian; parents, Chester and Beulah Christian; grandson Jon Houston Christian; brother, Ronald Ray (Peewee) Christian.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. with Bro. Jesse West and Don Hyde Jr. officiating. Internment will be at Highland Cemetery in Durant.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. www.holmescoffeymurray.com