Clifford C “Cliff” Christian 85, of Centralia, passed away Friday, July 1, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma on April 16, 1937, the son of Clifton “Clif” Christian and Lourena (Sewell) Christian.
Cliff married Judy J VanZandt on April 2, 1958, at the First United Methodist Church in Centralia. They celebrated 59 years of marriage prior to her death on June 16, 2017. He later married Doralie (Dee Dee) Berger Atteberry on July 7, 2018, at Greenview Christian Church and she survives in Centralia.
In addition to his wife, Cliff is survived by daughter Cheri Niermann (husband Kam) of Centralia; sons: Randy Christian of Houston, TX and Ricky Christian (wife Lori) of Houston, TX; grandchildren: Scott Niermann (wife Laura) of Lenoir City, TN, Tim Niermann (wife Lauren) of Centralia, Tyler Niermann (wife Chelsie) of Maryville, IL, Matthew Niermann (wife Sarah) of High Ridge, MO, J.T. “Trey” Niermann of Centralia, Sam “Treven” Niermann of Centralia, and Caleb Christian of Houston, TX; and great-grandchildren: Emma Niermann, Amelia Niermann, Joshua Niermann, Olivia Niermann, Isaac Niermann, Hannah Niermann, Emmett Niermann, Easton Niermann, and a baby boy Niermann due October 2022.
Step-daughters: Leigh Ann McDaniel (husband Chris) of Sweetwater, TN and Susan Crenshaw of St. Louis, MO, step-grandchildren Shain Kell of Minier, IL, Sheena Wimberly (Kelly Johnson) of Centralia, Andy McDaniel (wife Amanda) of Irvington, and Joshua McDaniel of Irvington; and step-great-grandchildren, Autumn Wimberly, Xzavier Kell, Aimee Wimberly, Noah Kell, Leandra McDaniel, Declynn McDaniel, and Caden McDaniel.
Also left to mourn Cliff’s passing are bonus son: Randy Mustread (Jill) of Centralia; special friends David (wife Jackie) Sessions of Alabama and Jimmy (wife Susan) Tackett of Mississippi; bonus grandchildren: Haylee and Hydee Mustread both of Centralia, sister: Luwanda Chappell of New Baden, IL, brother-in-law: Larry VanZandt of Centralia; nephew: Kevin VanZandt and wife Tina of Centralia.
Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Judy Christian, his parents, great-granddaughter, Grace Ann Niermann, sister-in-law Gerry VanZandt, and nephew: Kirby VanZandt.
He grew up in Patoka, IL and graduated from Patoka High School. He graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with his Master’s Degree.
Cliff worked at Centralia High School from 1962 – 1994 and he also worked part-time as a welding instructor until 2002. During his tenure at CHS, he served as the Dean of Students, Industrial Vocational Department Head, and Vocational Director. He managed the family’s construction and rental businesses.
A man of deeply-rooted faith, Cliff’s attended the First United Methodist Church, Calumet Christian Church, and most recently Greenview Christian Church in Centralia.
He enjoyed RV camping and fishing and served as a Camp Host in Grenada, MS for several years. Through the years his extended family grew to include his fishing buddies. Cliff also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and watching sports on TV. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, his fur babies, and his many, many friends.
Celebration of Life Services for Cliff Christian will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Jimmy Tackett and Pastor Wesley Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home and also will be held Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jireh India Mission (Joseph and Leyna George), ACMI Missions (Jim and Andra Howe), and Centralia High School Alumni Association c/o Vocational Department and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Christian Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
