Donald Keith Christian

Donald Keith Christian (Papa) 85 of Twin Falls passed away at his home on May 18, 2016. Don was born in Twin falls to Oscar W. Christian and Letha Hagler on May 15, 1931.

He attended school in Twin falls until his senior year. He moved to Walnut Grove, California and graduated from Courtland High School in 1948. He worked at a Ford Dealership in Walnut Grove until 1950. On July 9th. 1951 He joined the navy. He served aboard the U.S.S Sperry AS12 a Navy sub tender until 1955. In 1957 He bought a Conoco station on Main Street in Twin Falls with his brother Irvin. They called the station "Christian Bros". In 1962 Don bought out his brother and called the station Don's Conoco service. He sold out and retired in September of 1998, after working and owning the station for 43 years.

 Don married the love of his life Bettie Marie Bates in Twin falls at the First Baptist Church on May 25, 1952. They were married for 64 years. Together they raised 2 sons and 2 daughters. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, trail riding, camping, and water skiing on Murtaugh Lake all with family. He would take a lunch break shoot a limit of pheasants and be back at work in an hour. He spent time teaching his kids and their friends to water ski. The boat was also used to take family on fishing trips trolling for trout. He enjoyed elk and deer hunting with his kids and his nephews and their friends. His Nephews and their friends lovingly called him Unc short for Uncle. He loved calling in the ducks and hollering "take em boys" when it was time to shoot.  What really made Don smile where his 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. At the time of his first grandson he became Papa and Papa is what he will always be. He was proud and supported each one as much as he could they were the joys of his life. He even watched them with Bettie in their home because he didnt want his babies going to daycare. He made each grandchild important and spent a lot of time with each one. Many trips to feed the ducks at the cemetary and many dollar store trips.

 
Don is survived by his loving wife Bettie, youngest brother James W. Christian (Bettie) of Washington, 2 daughters Pamela Kuhn (Mike) Twin falls, Dawn Christian of Jerome, 2 sons Duane Christian (Lucy) Twin Falls, Gregory Christian of Washington, 5 grandchildren Christian Paul Rieth, Briana Rieth, Garrett Keith

Scarrow, Cooper Don Scarrow, Caden Keith Christian, and his great grandson Christian Hunter. He is preceded in death by his parents and 5 sisters, Joyce, Darlene, Evora, Glenita, Sharen and 2 brothers, Irvin, Duane V.

     A funeral service will be at 10am on Monday May 23, 2016 at Parke's funeral home. A viewing will be on Sunday May 22, 2016 from 5 P.M. To 7 P.M. Those wishing to share their condolences may do so on Don’s web page at Magicvalleyfuneralhome.com