Alex Christian Jr., 82, died at 8:20 p.m. Saturday July 7, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center in Alton, IL, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Born September 26, 1935 in East St. Louis, IL, he was the son of Alex Christian Sr. and Mary (Richards). Alex served in the Army after graduating from Alton High School in 1954. He was a firefighter for the Alton Fire Department for 31 years retiring as an Assistant Fire Chief in 1988. Alex was an avid athlete and played football and baseball for Alton High School. He also played baseball in the Armed Forces and was part of the 1956 Armed Forces Championship team. Surviving is a former spouse; Rita Ortman of Godfrey, a son; Lance Christian of Alton, a daughter; Marlo (Christian) Meyer and husband Steve of Glen Carbon, and two grandchildren; Lauren and David Meyer. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a brother; Richard Christian. A prayer service will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday July 11, 2018 Gent Funeral Home in Alton. The Alton Fire Department will pass by the casket in his honor at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018 at St Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steve Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to The Backstoppers (www.backstoppers.org) to support families of firemen, policemen and EMTs who lost their lives in the line of duty. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
