1925 – 2015

AUBURN — Raymond Mack Christner, 89, rode the Wabash Cannonball to Glory on Friday, Jan. 30, at his residence.

Ray, as most folks called him, but “Mack” to his siblings, was born on Oct. 21, 1925, at home in Silver Lake, Ind., to Elva Marie Myers Christner and Elmer Sherman Christner. He was the ninth of 10 children. At a young age, he helped on the farm and when he could, loved to go fishing at a little pond near their home.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Seaman First Class aboard the U.S. Little Rock for four years as a gunner’s mate. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

He worked as a semi driver and at the Kosciusko County Highway Department. Later, Ray worked in maintenance, retiring from Uniroyal. After retirement, he worked a short time for Miller’s Merry Manor.

He was always ready to help family and friends with his know-how. He was the real definition of a “handyman” — he could fix anything, he was never too busy to help and made many friends wherever he went.

Ray loved to whistle and fish and most of all he loved cowboy shows on TV. He loved to people-watch and did not know a stranger; he was most happy telling a joke or great story.

Ray spent most of his time in Florida with his longtime companion, Alexina, yet he always took time to spend with his daughter while returning to summer in Maine every year, happily completing her “Daddy Do List” while whistling a tune and telling stories about growing up in Silver Lake.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Elks. He attended St. Francis Church in Florida.

Ray is survived by his companion, Alexina Caron, of Auburn; his son, Wayne E. Christner, of Warsaw; his daughter and little sidekick, Sheri Christner Krichbaum, of Warsaw; and his sister, Audrey Martin, of North Manchester.

Special friends include Gloria Jeanie and David Burnham, Shane and Alfred Dufour, Richard and Janis Lachance, Luke Lachance, Joni Lachance and Tony, Nathan and Amber Lachance and many nieces and nephews and countless friends in Maine, Florida and Indiana, who will greatly miss him.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Raymond’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.