Alvin McChristian of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Wednesday morning, December 23, 2009, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell at the age of 80 years.

Alvin McChristian was born August 18, 1929 in Japton, Arkansas to Lloyd M. and Bertha (Glenn) McChristian. He grew up in Japton, Arkansas where he attended schools graduating from the eighth grade. He spent his time working on the family farm after his schooling. He married Mary Davenport on December 24, 1947 in Asher, Arkansas and they made their home in Durham, Arkansas for a short time. They moved to his wife's brother's farm where Alvin helped with all of the farming and then later moved back to the farm where Alvin's parents lived. In July of 1952, they moved to Blackwell where he began working for Arkla Gas retiring in 1985 after 33 years of service. Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending his time by the water catching fish five days a week at Salt Plains. He loved fishing so much that he fished anytime, anywhere and with anyone as long as he had his pontoon boat. He had a great love for gardening but mostly, he cherished spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary McChristian of Blackwell; one son, Larry McChristian and wife, RoseAnn of Blackwell; four daughters, Linda Kennedy and husband, Phil of Enid, Oklahoma; LaVerne Turner and husband, Mark of Arkansas City, Kansas; Lisa Hermes and husband, Dan of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Lynell Grant and husband, Scott of Caney, Kansas. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Kim Youngs, Amy Turner, Wendy Aebi, Ryan Turner, Devin Hermes, Justin McChristian, Bradley Hermes, Kyle Grant, Branden Grant, Alexis Grant; seven great grandchildren, Haley, Tanner, Khloe, Ryley, Reegan, Braden and Madison and one sister, Melba Collins of Harrison, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Norma Combs.

Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 28th at Roberts Chapel with Patrick Youngs of Phoenix, Arizona officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Serving as casketbearers will be Ryan Turner, Justin McChristian, Devin Hermes, Bradley Hermes, Kyle Grant, Branden Grant, Patrick Youngs and Kevin Aebi. Serving as honorary casketbearers will be Phil Kennedy, Mark Turner, Dan Hermes and Scott Grant.

A memorial has been established with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.