Raymond Theodore Christie

Raymond Theodore Christie was born on June 24, 1920 in Stafford, KS to Jessie and Nannie Christie and went to be with his Lord and Savior January 30, 2014. He was the second of nine brothers and sisters. His family moved to Springfield, CO in the late 1920’s. He graduated from Springfield High in 1939 and was in the army during WWII where he served four years. When he came back, he went to work for Huested Drug Store. Raymond met Thelma Gorges, and they married in 1946 and spent 67 wonderful years together. They had two boys Doug and Danny whom they were very proud of. He worked for the Plainsman Herald for several years. During that time he also started a Recreation Center at the old American Legion Hall where kids could build racing cars and race their cars on a track, play pinball, ping pong, and have a pop and a candy bar. Doug and Danny worked for their dad helping to run the rec center. Later Raymond went to work for Jett Hardware selling furniture and carpet. When Jett Hardware closed, Bill Moore made him manager of the furniture and carpet department at Everitt-Moore Lumber where he worked for 30 years. Raymond was such a fantastic salesman that he earned a trip to Hawaii for him and Thelma. He continued to work at Everitt-Moore until his retirement. In his early years when his boys were young, he enjoyed refereeing school basketball games. Some of his favorite past times were going down to the Pool Hall to play cards and dominoes and shoot the breeze. He also loved horse racing, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed serving his community. He was a member of the Springfield Fire Department for 28 years, Baca County Sheriff’s Posse for 20 years, and City Council for 27 years. He also served as the town mayor and was a member of the Baca County Fair Board and Chamber of Commerce for many years. He was elected person of the year in 1978. Raymond also headed fundraising for new playground equipment for the city park and to build Memorial Park. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Jessie and Nannie Christie, four brothers Jesse, Wendell, Alvin, and Mickey, two sisters Patty Hume and Phyllis Rasor, one son Doug, and one great grandchild Candis Forman. He is survived by his wife Thelma of the home, his son Danny Christie and wife Lana of Trinidad, CO, daughter-in-law Portia Christie of Springfield, CO, one sister Wanda Mills of Walsh, CO, one brother Byron (Sharon) Christie of Enid, OK, sister-in-law Lois Christie of Denver, CO, six grandchildren Troy Christie of Guymon, OK, Shannon (Paula) Christie of Cheyenne Wells, CO, Lynna Abrams of Springfield, CO, Raymond (Mandy) Christie of Guymon, OK, Jenni (Bobby) Forman of Guymon, OK, and Lisa (Brad) Viner of Campo, CO, twelve great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Raymond was our family patriarch who touched many lives. He had a big heart and never knew a stranger and would help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be given in Raymond’s name to “The Cottage” AKA: Southeast Colorado Alzheimer’s Unit 373 East 10th Ave. Springfield CO 81073