Robert Raleigh Christian

Robert Raleigh Christian, 91, of Topeka, died October 8, 2011 at Presbyterian Manor. He was born in Bancroft, Kansas on August 13, 1920 the son of Robert and Clara (Krack) Christian. He attended District 72 Grade School, Bancroft High School for two years and graduated from Goff High School in 1938. Robert served in the 42nd "Rainbow" Division during World War II in Europe with an infantry company. He was awarded the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, and Combat Infantryman Badge among other citations. Robert was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1650 where he was active in their funeral detail helping with several hundred military graveside services for deceased veterans. He was also a member of the American Legion in Wetmore, the Cooties and the Purple Heart Group. Robert was a member of the Oakland Presbyterian Church, Mended Hearts and the Compassionate Friends Chapter all of Topeka. He worked as a Machinist for several businesses and retired in April of 1986 from Adams Business Forms. Robert married Lola Mae Brammer on August 13, 1940 at Soldier, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 24, 1996. He was also predeceased by a daughter, Lana Kay Christian Bruhns on September 10, 1984. He is survived by a son R. Roger Christian and his wife Sherrie of Rossville, four grandchildren, Ty, Tad, Amy and Shaney; six great grandchildren, Keri, Derek, Brittany, Austin, Sammie and Allie and one great-great grandson Brody. Robert will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wetmore Cemetery, Wetmore, Kansas where military honors will be provided by the Fort Leavenworth Military Detail. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Philip Billard Post #1650 of the V.F.W. in his memory and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.