Dean Lloyd Christian
August 30, 1928 ~ May 22, 2024
Dean Lloyd Christian, 95, passed away on May 22, 2024, at the Lantern of Madison in Madison, Ohio. Dean was born August 30, 1928, to Llyod and Esther Grace Christian in Perry, Ohio. He graduated from Perry High School in 1946 and earned a Horticulture degree from The Ohio State University in 1950. Dean was a Korean War Veteran. He was drafted into the Army and served as a company typist stationed at Fort Knox and Fort Monmouth, NJ, where he took his platoon mates to church at Asbury Park, NJ. After the Military, Dean purchased a small store named Shop Rite in Perry Village. His future bride, Carmen Cain, lived across the street and shopped at his store. Their first date was on July 4, 1956, and they were married three months later on October 6, 1956, at Perry Christian Church. Prior to starting a family, Dean worked as a purchasing agent at the Diamond Shamrock Company in Fairport Harbor. After the Diamond closed, Dean went to work for Ricerca Bioscience Lab in Concord, Ohio. Dean was dedicated to his faith. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and committed his life to sharing his faith with others. He was active at Faith Baptist Church in Perry, Ohio where he served as a deacon and helped to establish a bus ministry. He was on the board at Stony Glen Camp for over 30 years and was instrumental in advancing Painesville Baptist Church in his later years. Dean and Carmen enjoyed 25-plus years of retirement at Baker Acres in Zephyrhills, Florida.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Grace Christian, his brother, Carle Christian, his sister, Mary Snyder, his step-grandson, Conor Wood-Cattell and babies that were loved but not seen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Carmen (Cain) Christian, and their four daughters: Deborah (Ric) Cattell, Denea (Jon) Sorber, Amy (Danny) Gallo, and Emily Light. Dean was also a proud grandfather to Tabitha (Justin) Thirion, Andy (Bethany) Petry, Crystal (Pat) Chase, Abigail (Jake) Schwenk, Jared (Jolisa) Petry, Joshua (Morgan) Sorber, Derek (Evie) Light, Rebecca (Tyger) Fields, Elizabeth (Jason) Gehring, Danny Gallo, Dean Light and Antoinette (Richard) Bragg. His step-grandchildren include Jennifer (Vincent) Spitalieri, Joshua (Michelle) Light, Shannon Wood-Cattell, and Erin (SJ) Whitehall. Dean's legacy continues through his twenty-one great-grandchildren. He was a loving Uncle to his nieces and nephews.
Dean's final resting place will be with his parents in the Perry Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at 10 am on Saturday, May 25, with a service to follow at 11am at Painesville Baptist Church, 140 Park Rd, Painesville, Ohio. The family would like to express our thanks to the caring staff at the Lantern of Madison. In lieu of flowers, friends can make contributions to Stony Glen Camp or Painesville Baptist Church.
The Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family at this time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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Brian and I send our condolences to all of Dean’s family. We knew Dean as a soft spoken and very kind gentleman. Our first connection to Dean and Carmen was many years ago through Perry Schools and later through time spent at Rabbit Run Theater. We send our prayers to all his family.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Christian family, especially to Carmen. I met Dean through his daughter Debby. He was always happy to see you and wanted to know how you were. Such a patient, loving man. God bless you Dean.
I just heard about Mr Christian’s passing. I attended Faith Baptist Church while growing up in Perry. I graduated with Deborah and also attended Perry High with Denea. Dean was an inspiration to many. He and his wife Carmen were an asset to the community. My sincere prayers go out to the entire Christian family. 🙏🏻