Donald Christensen
Donald
Christensen known by his family as
Gramps and lovingly referred to by all who knew and loved him as “Mr. C.”.
Don enjoyed time with family and friends. He was a kind and loving soul. Don lived his life to the fullest. He had an amazing memory and told very entertaining stories.
He passed away March 13, 2023 at his home in Colliersville, TN, peacefully surrounded by his family.
Don is survived by his children, Cody Christensen (Karen), Georgia Christensen and Donya Gwen Adams; his grandchildren, Cody Christensen, Jr. (Tannah), Morgan Washington (Joby), Grace Smith (Cameron), Dayton Adams (Morgan), Dawson Adams (Tiffany), Darren Adams, Casey Hillman, Charlie Hillman, and Cooper Christensen (Shelby); and many great grandchildren; his brothers, Bobby Christensen, and David Christensen (Carolyn).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Allen and Mary Elizabeth Christensen; his oldest son, Clark Shane Christensen; and brothers, Larry Christensen and Johnny Christensen.
Don was a member of Morgantown Baptist Church.
Don wore many hats throughout his life, including teaching Agriculture at Sturgis High School, Dean of The Gulf Coast Community College, and Superintendent of Education of Oktibbeha County Schools. He was also a member of Sturgis FFA, member of Mississippi High School Rodeo Association for many years and remained actively involved as well as a Shriner, Free Mason, and a Veteran.
Donald Christensen will be truly missed and remembered by the many lives he touched throughout his entire life. He was truly “The Man, The Myth, The Legend”.
Pallbearers are his grandsons, Cody Christensen, Jr., Dayton Adams, Dawson Adams, Darren Adams, Casey Hillman, and Cooper Christensen.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 17, 2023 from 11:00-2:00 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, with the funeral service immediately following.
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com. was born to Joseph
Alvin and
Mauriece
Long
Starkville on September 19,
1940. She grew up in Starkville graduating from Starkville High School and Mississippi State University. While attending Mississippi State, Louise was a member of Chi Omega sorority, Kappa Delta Pi and Cardinal Key. She also represented the city of Starkville as a Lady of the Realm in the 1960 Cotton Carnival.
Louise had an active life during her youth when she enjoyed horseback riding, water skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities. As a young member of the Starkville community she was a member of Junior Auxiliary, First Baptist Church and Faith Baptist Church. The faith of her youth remained strong ; it supported her throughout the long years of her failing health.
Louise married Gene Keller in 1961 and together they had three children: Richard, Pattie and Jennifer. They raised their family in Starkville while managing the family business, Dairy Feed Company.
In 1991, Louise married Wendell Trest and moved to the Lafayette, Louisiana area, where they lived until Wendell's death in 2007. In 2000, Louise suffered a traumatic brain injury in resulting from an aneurism. Even though her physical abilities were somewhat limited after this time, she enjoyed living on the bayous with Wendell until his death.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Alvin Long, Jr (Sonny), her second husband Aubrey Skelton, and Wendell Trest. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Richard Alan Keller and wife Melanie of Centerville, Ohio; Pattie Anne and husband Frank Bonner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and Jennifer Katherine and husband Bill Pearce of Auburn, Alabama. Louise was blessed to have 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Healthcare in Columbus, MS for the love and care they gave Louise. During her 10 years as a resident there the staff lovingly and compassionately cared for her and became "family" to her and her children.
Visitation will be held at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, 10:0011:00 a.m. with the funeral service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to United Methodist Senior Services or Lottie Moon Christmas offering.
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.