Ralph Christner

Ralph H. Christner, 80, of Connellsville, died Monday, June 2, 2003, at the Noble's Personal Care Home in Mount Pleasant. He was born July 7, 1922, at Hammondville (Bullskin Township), a son of the late Harry C. and Mary Ann Nedrow Christner. Ralph was Protestant by faith and was a graduate of the Ramsay High School with the Class of 1940. He was the owner of the former Ralph H. Christner Construction Co. He was a glider and fixed-wing pilot, a scuba diver and enjoyed classical music and world-wide travel and photography. He developed his own film, color and black and white. He was a cameraman for Channel 11 News. He was a member of the Tri-County Camera Club. Ralph traveled and lived in Canada where he sold coal dryers. He also managed an estate and country club. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater with the 144th ordnance company, he was in the Battle of Normandy in Rhineland. He was recipient of the Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Unit Award; the American Theater Service Medal; Europe, African medal with Four Bronze Stars; and the World War II Victory Medal. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Shirley J. Matheson Christner; two sons, A. Barry Christner and friend Terry of Boliver and Dr. Brent C. Christner and wife Renee of Bozman, Mont.; three grandchildren, Gregory, Pamela and Jeffrey Christner; great-grandchildren; two sisters, Olive Thomas of Mount Pleasant and Nora Belle Hare and husband James of Beaver; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Dwight, Earl, Raymond, Elvy and an infant brother, Merle; and four sisters, Dortha Yothers, Edna Snyder, Marie Ramsey and infant Violet Christner. Friends will be received in the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME INC., 730 W. Main St., Mount Pleasant, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where his funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Clair Fisher officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenlick Cemetery.