Kenneth Lee Billy Christian

Kenneth Christian went home to be with his Lord and Savior, at the age of 89, on Dec. 4, 2017, in Napa, Calif. Born Oct. 16, 1928, in Westwood, Calif., Ken was the first born of Byrd Johnson and Della Christian. At a very young age Ken’s mother passed away, leaving Byrd with two young children to raise (Ken and Wanda). Byrd was blessed when he met and subsequently married Mildred Fern. “Fern”, as she was affectionately called, swept up Byrd’s two adorable young children and raised them as her own.

Byrd and Fern went on to have three more children. Ken’s early years were spent riding horses and taking on odd jobs to help the family. He loved his sibling, and took great pride and joy being the big brother. As a teenager, the family moved to Napa, Calif., and Ken enjoyed riding motorcycles (a past time his Dad enjoyed as well). It was during these teen years Ken’s entrepreneur zest really blossomed. One of the jobs he excelled in was becoming a paperboy and developing his own paper route—distributing the Napa Register. Ken was always developing a next step in his young life. It was on one of his paper routes that he first laid eyes on a cute and intelligent young woman named Margaret June.

In July 1947, Ken entered the Navy. He enjoyed military life and made many lifelong friendships. While on a leave of duty, he was reintroduced though his sister Wanda, to the sweet young woman on his paper route, Margaret June. On June 29, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Reno, Nevada they became married for life. In March of 1950, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. They went on to raise a family in Napa, Calif.

Ken become a Journeyman Inside Wireman Electrician in the I.B.E.W. Ken spent a sizable amount of his career with an electrical firm in Napa before opening up his own electrical shop, B&K Electric in Napa, CA. As his entrepreneur spirit grew he opened B & K Security and subsequently entered into a partnership to launch Valley Answering Service both in Napa, CA. He retired in 1996.

While raising their children they were active at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, and their faith in Jesus Christ sustained them during their 62 years of marriage. Ken enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, 4-Wheeling, and golf. Pursuing them with his father, mother, brothers, sons, or friends brought him much happiness.

Ken is survived by his sister, Wanda Hicks of Napa, CA; brother, Don Christian of Napa, CA; sister, Judy Waldrip of Colorado Springs, CO; and brother, John Christian of Napa, CA.; daughter, Starrlynn Victoria Christian – Martin, (Stephen Louis Martin); son, Dan Christian, (Jeanette Christian); son, Randolph Christian, (Anne Christian); grandchildren, Michelle Starrlynn Martin; Stephany Louise-Martin-Stuckey, (Sam Stuckey); Sara Tapparo, (Troy Tapparo); Amy Curtis, (Joshua Curtis); Amberlin Christian; Jacob Christian; Jared Christian; great-grandchildren, Austin Michael Martin; Emery James Stuckey; Brittany Tapparo; Ashley Tapparo; Christian Curtis; Harrison Curtis; Liam Curtis; Addilyn Curtis.

He was preceded in death by his father, Byrd Johnson Christian; mother, Mildred Fern Christian; wife, Margaret June Christian.

A private graveside service to honor Ken’s life will be held on December 19, 2017 at Tulocay Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.tulocaycemetery.org.

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