Edwin "Ed" Martin Christian's Obituary
On October 18, 2024, Edwin "Ed" Martin Christian, 81, of East Moline, IL., peacefully passed away in his sleep at home, after a courageous battle against bladder cancer.
Visitation will be 3:00-6:00 PM Monday, October 21, 2024 at the Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, and 1:00-2:00 PM Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, Unionville MO. Graveside services will be 2:30 PM Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at West Liberty Cemetery in MO.
Ed was born on December 27, 1942, in Unionville, Missouri, the son of Elva Ivine (Swiger) and William Walter Christian. His childhood was spent on his family's Missouri farm where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for working with his hands.
In 1965, he moved to the Quad Cities to work at Rock Island Ready Mix as a mechanic, and later as a concrete truck driver. Although he retired from Moline Consumers in 2005, Ed was never idle and never slowed down. He carried on well into his seventies helping construct swimming pools, houses and garages. Already an intelligent man, the wealth of knowledge gained throughout his life gave him the ability to build or fix virtually anything.
Ed spent his spare time restoring John Deere tractors, becoming his most prized possessions, and he featured them in numerous East Moline parades. He was also a remarkable gardener and was known by many as simply "The Tomato Man". He enjoyed having a cup of coffee and a donut, sharing stories and laughs with his many friends and selflessly made time to help others whenever needed.
While reserved and soft spoken, his quick wit and infectious laugh could light up a room. He always made time to attend a grandchild's school program or give them a ride on a restored lawn mower.
He was united in marriage to Brenda Davis on January 12, 1963. They have two children, Edwin "Marty" (Jacqueline) Christian Jr. of Andalusia, IL., and Tara (Corey) Hunt of Moline, IL. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Angela (Cory) Czubara of Bettendorf, IA., Nicholas (Katherine) Lee of Beverly Hills, FL., Myranda (Marc) Lee of East Moline, IL., and Brianna (Tyler) Bieri of Bettendorf, IA., and two step granddaughters, Amy Hunt of Cedar Rapids, IA., and Dana Hunt of Muscatine, IA. They were also blessed with six great grandchildren.
Ed is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother Paul (Jane) Christian of Unionville, MO., and numerous nieces and nephews who he cared for deeply.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dwain Wyant Sr., Everett Wyant, Orville Christian, Bill Christian, and Gerald Christian, sisters Phyllis Christian, Betty Miller, Mary Christian, and Janet DeVore, and his best friends Jerry Miller and Dwain Wyant Jr.
Ed's humility, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and those who were fortunate enough to know him. He was one of a kind and to be loved by him was a true blessing. Wherever he is, we hope he is sitting in a comfortable recliner watching YouTube videos, Gunsmoke, Sanford & Son, or anything Clint Eastwood stars in. Wehope there are plenty of John Deeres that need fixing and plenty of people who will now get to enjoy hearing his stories and sincere laughter. He was not only an incredible father, but also a truly remarkable grandfather, and will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee and remember a cherished memory you shared with Ed. To honor Ed's memory, please spend time with those you love and treasure every moment as Ed valued his family above all else.
Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
What’s your fondest memory of Edwin "Ed"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edwin "Ed"?
Share a story where Edwin "Ed"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edwin "Ed" you’ll never forget.
How did Edwin "Ed" make you smile?