Mr. Carl William “Chris” Christensen took his final flight into that proverbial “wild blue yonder” in the morning hours of Oct. 11, 2012.
He was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Overland, Missouri, to the late Florence Christensen Hoppe and Carl William Hoppe. Unfortunately, he lost both of his parents when he was only 2 years old. His maternal grandparents, Erik and Dora Christensen, took him into their home and provided those things his own parents could not. They were helped by a very special aunt of Carl’s, Margaret Christensen. Like so many of his generation, he answered the call to arms during World War II. He served in the Army Air Corps and immediately found his comfort zone — in the sky. Chris’ love for aviation gave him experience as a corporate pilot for Monsanto and he was also chief pilot for the Mellon family in Pittsburg, PA. He eventually took a path that led him to Eastern Airlines. He had a long and successful career during the golden years of aviation and also got to do a job he absolutely loved. He retired from Eastern as a captain. Throughout his life he found great enjoyment, while on the ground, as an accomplished golfer.
Surviving Chris are his loving wife of 34 years, Pat Alford Christensen; a son, Carl Hoppe Christensen (Helene) of Columbus, TX. His daughters are Tenley (and Charles) Stephens of Atlanta and Margaret Christensen of Ayden, NC. Also surviving are his stepsons, Jason (and Whitney) Olvey of Newnan, Joe Olvey of Savannah. Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild completed his family.
Chris’ life will be remembered joyfully as his family hosts a reception at their home on Sunday, Oct. 14 between 3 and 5 p.m. Rather than flowers his family would suggest gifts in Chris’ memory to the Salvation Army.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com .
McKoon Funeral Home, Newnan, GA
