Clarence Alfred Christ

Clarence Alfred Christ was born in Needville, Texas, to Alfred Benjamin Christ of Hackberry, Texas, and Anna Louise Demel of High Hill, Texas. The family later moved to Rosenberg, Texas, where Clarence's dad supported the family by working as a general contractor. Many of the fine structures that Alfred Christ built are still in use today.

Clarence met the love of his life Dorothy Dell Dobrava when they were in high school, and they began their life together as a married couple on December 27, 1950. This was just a few weeks after graduating from A&M with a degree in mechanical engineering and before he reported to the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. They often reminisced that their first army apartment in Louisiana had dirt floors in the closet. But they didn't mind as they were in true love! Clarence later served as a commander of a mobile artillery unit in West Germany during the Cold War.

After serving his country Clarence and Dorothy settled in Texas City where he worked at the Amoco refinery as a manager of various departments until his retirement in 1990.

Dorothy and Clarence welcomed children into the world first with Mark Allen, then Timothy James, and finally Karen Lynn.

Clarence was a devoted husband to his bride Dorothy, a caring father, a doting grandfather, and a friend and mentor to many. He studied the Bible and strove to be a humble servant of the Lord and to live a Christian life.

Clarence provided a loving and supportive home and served as a positive example for his children. Dorothy and Clarence provided a good life for their children with fewer worries than they themselves endured growing up in the 1930s. And Clarence continued with unfailing support for his four grandchildren. In his final days he was able to meet his first great-grandson Jordan and that was a highlight for him.

Clarence was a wonderful Grandpa! He enjoyed spending time with each of his four grandchildren, taking them on outings and out to dinner. Occasionally he would show up at Karen's back door and say, "I don't care where you go but don't come back for two hours!" and he would take care of Ben and Melanie. He put many miles on his vehicles, taking Ben to many therapies and to school. Little did Karen know that dad visited all the wood stores to shop along the way. Clarence was so proud when he taught Melanie marksmanship using a target in the back yard.

The grandchildren all have fond memories of spending a few days at Grandma and Grandpa's house while growing up. Julianna loved waking up to the smell of coffee and then watching Clarence make blueberry pancakes. The visits often included trips to Sam's Club for shopping and endless samples, visiting Moody Gardens, making beach volcanoes, and enjoying a meal at Gaido's where a trip to the gift shop was mandatory. Grandpa would take them birding, the fascination of which Julianna and Jonathan never understood until later in life. No visit was complete without a trip to the end of the Texas City Dike and back while listening to 'old people' music. One of the favorite pastimes was crabbing even if Clarence made the kids cook and eat their catch. One of Clarence's final wishes was for Julianna to someday take her two sons to the Dike.

In the following years, Clarence was always ready to offer kolaches, deer sausage, and popsicles from the freezer or a Shiner Bock to his visiting grandchildren. He loved telling stories about his life, his college days, his time in the Army, his hobbies, and most of all, his family whom he loved so much. Clarence delighted in being a part of their lives. He was proud of all four of them and loved to hear about their accomplishments and adventures.

The Catholic Church was an integral part of the Christ family. Mark, Tim, and Karen attended Our Lady of Fatima School. Attending Mass every Sunday was routine. After Mass the family often drove to Rosenberg for Sunday dinners with both Clarence and Dorothy's families.

Clarence was an active member of the Church. When the Church needed his talents, he willingly stepped up. He served on many committees and cooked many turkeys for the Fall Festivals. One of the Church's ministries Clarence felt strongly about was Scouting. He knew it was crucial to the boys' development, and Clarence himself was active in Boy Scout Troop 246 for many years as the Committee Chairman. He also coordinated travel for each monthly campout. During one summer camp, Clarence supervised the preparation of three meals a day over campfires for six days for 40 hungry boys and adults! Clarence also helped keep discipline using his 'Evil Eye' to discourage bad behavior. His sons, Mark and Tim, and many other scouts earned their Eagle Scout awards while Clarence was involved with the troop.

Clarence and Dorothy introduced their children to the National Parks with camping vacations. With the children they visited the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns and other destinations. That legacy of love for the beauty and wildlife of the National Parks continues today with Clarence's grandchildren.

Clarence's and his family's long relationship with Texas A&M University began the day his father came home from work and handed Clarence a brochure about the school and informed him Clarence would soon enroll in classes. Clarence started class in 1946 at the age of 16 and traveled between Rosenberg and College Station by train and by hitchhiking. Dorothy and Clarence made sure Mark, Tim, and Karen earned their degrees from Texas A&M with support every step of the way. Clarence supported Texas A&M as a Former Student and attended most of his class reunions. He still kept up with his remaining classmates during the last few years.

Clarence was a master craftsman and constructed many items that the family still uses today. He always loved a building design challenge, and no project was too big or too small. He built his final deer blind while supporting himself on his walker. Tim and a close friend made sure Clarence could still use the blind during his last two hunting seasons even while in a wheelchair. While not able to leave his most recent residences, he still was able to help Mark think through his own household projects and with Tim designed a barn and a greenhouse for Tim and Barbara's country home. Clarence always loved a building or design challenge.

Clarence also enjoyed photography, fishing, deer hunting, Aggie football, cooking, good BBQ, and he especially enjoyed smoking his own meats. He loved perfecting his many recipes and he was at home in his kitchen.

Preceding Clarence in death are his beloved bride of 65 years, Dorothy; his parents; sister, Lorena Marie Christ; and brother Allen Eugene Christ.

Clarence is survived by his children Mark Christ (Stephanie), Tim Christ (Barbara), Karen Theriault (Dave); his four grandchildren Julianna Hartzel (Jonathan), Jonathan Christ (Ashley), Benjamin Theriault and Melanie Theriault. He is also survived by his two great-grandchildren Jordan Hartzel and Josh Hartzel.

Clarence is also survived by brothers James Edward Christ (Joyce) and Ralph Joseph Christ (Jill) and their families as well as many cousins and close friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Fatima School, 1600 9th Ave North, Texas City, Texas, or a charity of your choice.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20

The family held private services in his honor.