Edward Eugene Christian

Edward Eugene Christian 66, was born December 6, 1958 in Odessa, Texas to the parentage of Clarence Edward Christian and Rosie Lee Christian.

Ed confessed his faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Matthew Baptist Church by the late Rev. Rufus McClain. While growing up in St. Matthew, Ed was deeply involved in the youth department under the leadership of his mother Rosie Christian. He was an active participant in Sunday School, B.T.U. (Baptist Training Union), and the local Baptist congress. He was also a member of the Jr. usher board and the youth choir. Throughout his life, he remained connected to his faith and was a member of several churches in the city, including Living Word, New Day and The Dream Center.

He attended Phyllis Wheatley Day Care, Rusk Elementary, Travis Elementary and Blackshear Jr. High before attending Ector High School. While at Ector, he was a percussionist in the Mighty Eagle Marching Band and also a member of the varsity football team. He graduated from Ector High School in 1978. In his younger years, he played Little League baseball for El Paso Products, where he was a left- handed pitcher often making the All-star team. This team was coached by Mr. Jesse B. Watkins and his father Clarence Christian.

In the fall of 1981, he met Brenda Adkins, the love of his life. After 11 years together, they married on May 24, 1992, in Dover, Ohio. They shared a total of 44 wonderful years together, residing in both Texas, and Ohio, and raised three children: Ryan, Damian and Dawn. As a couple, they were deeply devoted and cherished their time together, as well as with their children and grandchildren. They especially loved hosting family holidays, cookouts, game nights, and Super Bowl parties, creating many cherished memories with their loved ones.

After graduating high school, he embarked on a diverse career path, working for several companies in both Texas and Ohio. He began in the oil field in Odessa before relocating his family to Ohio. There, he dedicated five years as a supervisor at a youth center for troubled teens. Following this, he transitioned to Shelly and Sands Construction company. After 17 years in Ohio, he moved his family back to Odessa where he owned and operated Christian’s Lawn Care, and later Christian’s Asphalt and Paving, until his health began to decline.

He was a man who truly lived by 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to show thyself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This dedication to God’s word was a cornerstone of his life. He stood firm and stayed faithful to God. Beyond his spiritual devotion, he was an avid sports fan, passionately supporting his favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also enjoyed watching boxing. His love for the cowboys was so profound that his last message to his brother-in-law, Bruce, delivered through his son-in-law Jeff the evening before he passed, was a confident declaration: “The Cowboys are going to win the Super Bowl this year!” When he wasn’t immersed in sports or scripture, he found enjoyment in his favorite TV shows, which included Andy Griffith, Naked and afraid, Sanford and Son, and The Jamie Foxx Show. He had a deep love for music, especially 70’s funk. Some of his favorite groups from that era included Con Funk Shun, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Bar-Kays, Bootsy Collins, Rick James, Parliament, The Isley Brothers, Zapp, Rufus and War. His passion for this music was infectious-he passed it down to his children, grandchildren and nieces. Thanks to Ed, 70’s funk has become one of their favorite genres too, a lasting part of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, His Uncles, Clarence Ray Marshall, Claude Jean Marshall, Charles Marshall, Jonathan Christian, Tommy Christian, William Clyde Christian and Martin Christian, His Aunts, Delores Jackson, Bernie Marie Chandler, Thelma Cook, Ruby Terry Meadows, Mahalie Roberts, and Lena Tillis.

Edward leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Brenda Christian, two sons, Ryan Adkins (Lea) and Damian Christian, one daughter, Dawn Savage (Jeff), one brother, Darrell Wayne Christian, two sisters, Regina Christian Mcknight (Bruce) and Serena Christian, eleven grandchildren, Allija Lantzer, Brayden lantzer, Mathis Beans, Malliki Adkins, Kingzlee Adkins, Zalea Adkins, Damian Christian, Daysia Christian, Amaya Berry, Charity cooper and Ethan Ritchey, seven great-grandchildren, Elannie Marie, Jeremiah Chavez, Jazari Tucker, Remington Boles, Weston Boles, Evelyn Boles and Nova Lantzer , His Uncles, Levi Christian (Rose), Bobby Marshall (Janice), Tyree Marshall (Maggie), Kirby Marshall and Ed Chandler, His Aunts, Idell Tatum, Mary Hubert (Lucious), Arlene Jefferson, Sharon Christian and a host of family and friends.

Visitation is set for Monday June 23, 2025 from 1:00PM- 9:00PM with a wake service from 6pm-8pm at Martinez Funeral Home chapel.

 Funeral services are set for 11:00AM Tuesday June 24, 2025 at St. Matthews Baptist Church 809 Barrett Ave Odessa, TX with Rev Michael Smith Officiating.

 Cremation will take place at a later date.