David Franklin Christian passed away at the age of 78, April 26, 2020 in Portland OR. There will be no service at this time, a celebration of life will be planned at a future date. He is being cremated and will be laid to rest in the family plot in Palisade MN.

David was born in Unorganized Territory Aitkin County, Minnesota to Daniel and Doras Christian. He graduated High School from Aitkin High and joined the Navy in 1960. He served on the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea, then continued service in the Navy Reserves. At 46, in 1988 he joined the Oregon Army National Guard giving him a total of over 7 years of service. He moved to Dallas OR and in 1964 married Marian Holbrook. The couple moved to Kellogg, Idaho where he worked at Bunker Hill as a crane operator and served as a police deputy in Wardner ID. They then moved back to Oregon and settled in Portland OR, where he started working for Schnitzer Steel in 1978 as a Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, and retired in Jan 2002 as the Truck Shop Foreman. In 1987 he took a two year break from Schnitzer and purchased his own business, the Spinning Wheel Tavern. He owned and operated it until Dec 2002.

David spent his time working on cars, painting cars, playing cards and dice games.  He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, taking their dog for walks or rides in the car and loved a good joke. He encouraged friends and family to wear red on Fridays, as he was a strong supporter of veterans and troops as well as a lifetime member of the VFW.

David was preceded in death by his parents Daniel & Doras, his brothers, Donnie, Dennis, Dick, Dale, and sister Doris, along with pet companions Terry, Oscar, Oscar II, and Taz.

He will be missed by his wife Marian Christian of Portland OR; children Pamela White, her husband John and their children Keffer, Tony, Melissa and Lisa White of Portland OR; Gloria Christian and her significant other, Daniel Powell of Portland OR; his brother Duane and his wife Lynn of Remer MN; his brother Danny Christian of MN; his sister-in-law Betty Christian of McGregor MN; Nieces and Nephews, including Great and Great-great; cousins, friends and lifelong buddies.

In lieu of flowers or donations please wear red on Fridays to support the troops. RED= R emember E veryone D eployed