Gene Christian, son of the late Dewey and Florence Ellis Christian and was raised by the late Mary Wells Christian, was born in Dexter on March 1, 1937, and died at his home in Dexter on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006, at the age of 69.

He had lived in Dexter all his life and was a retired farmer.

He was married to Margaret Whitaker.

Surviving are two sons, Terry Gene Christian of Dexter and Michael Joe Christian of Whittier, Calif.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eloise Nicholson of Walls, Miss., Norma James of Dexter, and Peggy Sielert of Dexter; three brothers, Willie Meeks of St. Charles, Donnie and Charles Meeks, both of Alton, Ill.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Dewey Christian, Jr., Jess Christian, John Christian, and Dean Christian; and one sister, Lillie Mae Foster.

Visitation was held after 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2006, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2006, at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter with Rev. Mike Watkins of Dexter officiating.

Interment followed in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter with Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter in charge of arrangements.