Charles LeRoy Christian

Charles LeRoy Christian

Charles LeRoy Christian, 72, of Lusk, Wyo., died peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, with his wife by his side.

He was born on July 14, 1927 to James and Nellie ZumBrunnen Christian in Lusk. He grew up on the family ranch at Indian Creek until he moved into the town of Lusk with his family in 1936. He was educated in the area schools until 1944.

After completing his junior year in high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy on July 14, 1944. It was his 17th birthday. He served in World War II in the Southwest Pacific and had been seven months in a combat zone prior to his 18th birthday, including the last two invasions of W. W. II in Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

After the war, he spent the remainder of his time in the service stationed at various bases and ships in Calif., during which time he boxed on boxing teams for the Navy. He was honorably discharged on June 12, 1946.

He returned home to Wyoming and met Ruby McCullough of Manville in August of 1946. They were married the following fall, on October 31, 1947. He spent his life involved in breaking, raising, training, showing and racing horses, and ranching while being in the truck stop business for over 40 years, but had found his true calling in the breeding and artificial insemination of horses.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge AFAM No. 24, an Associate Bethel Guardian of Job's Daughters, a 50 year member of the American Legion Post No. 4, an active supporter and member of the Wyoming Republicans, a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and a charter member of the Elks Lodge No. 1797.

He was a past president of the Lusk Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, and a former member of the Lusk Congregational Church board. He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, celebrating 17 years of sobriety.

He was a natural horseman, starting in the horse business at the age of 10, when due to his slender build, he was a jockey for match races in Lusk and the surrounding area. He enjoyed announcing team roping events and rodeos. He was active in the Legend of Rawhide portraying George the scout for years.

Later in life, he discovered the joy of golfing, and was an active member and frequent golfer at the Niobrara Country Club as well as the golf course at Lake Tamarask in Desert Center, Calif. He loved to spend time with his dog Macho, and his new puppy Rascal.

His greatest joy came in his family. He was indeed their "HERO." He was honored to be a part of the life of his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and had recently celebrated first birthdays with his two great-grandsons and the fourth birthday of his only great-granddaughter.

He was a "man of many hats." He was a man who had an interest in everything and who knew much about many things. His wit and humor and his love of everything and everyone around him made it possible for him to touch the life of each person he met, even if only in a small way.

He is survived by Ruby, his wife of 52 years; three daughters: Jani Lerback of Laramie, Wyo.; Thana Christian of Oakland, Calif., and Cindy St John of Lusk; two sons-in-law: Dave Lerback of Hot Springs, S. D., and Bill St. John of Lusk; seven grandchildren: Christian Lerback and his wife Angelique, Jennifer Lerback; Travis St. John; Andrew Lerback; Amy St. John and her fiancé Aaron Miller; Eric St. John and Patty Christian and three great-grandchildren: Kylee Marie Lerback, Christian Colten Lerback and Dylan Aaron Morgan Miller; a sister, Edith Culver and many nieces and nephews spanning three generations, including his niece Margie Sanders who was more like a sister that a niece due to the close proximity of their births.

Services were Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Congregational Church of Lusk with the Pastor Mark Lohr officiating. Cremation took place following the service.

Pallbearers were his 6 oldest grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Stagecoach Museum in Lusk or the Charlie Christian Memorial Scholarship.

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