Howard Christopher

Date of Birth

Mar 13,1928

Date of Death

Nov 21,2011

HOWARD F. "Curly" CHRISTOHER, age 83, of Elburn, passed away peacefully at his daughters home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family following a brief but fierce battle with cancer. BORN: He was born March 13, 1928, in Easley, SC, one of ten children of Gilland B. and Fronnie L. (Ferguson) Christopher. EARLY YEARS:Howard grew up in Easley, SC and attended local schools. Howard also worked locally at Glenwood Textile and Sweet’s Cafe as a short order cook. MILITARY: After his stint at Glenwood, Howard turned toward the armed forces, first serving in the United States Navy and later the United States Army, altogether serving his country for nine years. Upon his return to civilian life, Howard went back to Easley to find work, but he also found someone with which to share his life, Betty J. Kinsey. MARRIAGE: They were united in marriage on June13, 1953 and made their way north to Chicago with three children where Howard could find work and provide a better life. While there, the family became complete with the addition of two more children. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Howard found work at the Container Corporation of America, or CCA, for 28 years before working for the Bloomingdale School District as Head Custodian for the next ten during which time he made thousands of friends including staff and students alike. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: In 1965, CCA transferred Howard to Carol Stream and his family settled in West Chicago. During the ensuing years, after the children had grown, Howard and Betty parted ways, with Howard eventually becoming one of the first residents at The Meadows in Elburn in 1998.MEMBERSHIPS: Howard was a proud member and supporter of the Elburn American Legion and a lifetime member of the Wheaton VFW.LIFE NOTES: Howard’s main hobby was people. His outgoing nature and supersized personality made him friends all over. His mind was sharp as a tack and quick as a whip, recalling facts, faces and people with ease. In short, Howard never met a stranger. His sense of humor couldn’t be denied as years of smiles and laughter could attest to. When at home, Howard enjoyed watching the history channel and loved to be challenged by the show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader. In recent times, he also enjoyed reliving his children’s youth through, That 70’s Show. Howard never left the house without being dressed to impress anyone he happened to bump in to but he was most impressed and proud of his children and grandchildren. Although he never really had much to his name, and never cared to, he leaves a rich legacy of laughter, love and memories that are now passed on to the next generation who carry on his zest and unique way of living a life. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his five children:Ricky (Linda) Christopher of Murfeesboro, TN, Howard "Tim" (Christine) Christopher of St. Charles, IL, Gayle (Mike) Maple of Kaneville, IL, Roy "Fergie" (Brigitti) Christopher of Geneva, IL and Donna (Willie) Bishop of Sugar Grove, IL;Twelve grandchildren:Camela Christopher, Robert Christopher, Erin (Barret) Nelson,Abigail Christopher, Kyle Maple, Korey Maple, Chase Christopher, Calvin Christopher, Kelsey Bishop,Brandon Bishop,Joanie Sanders and Jason Sanders;Two great-grandchildren:Chanze Christopher and Drew Sanders;Four siblings:Geneva Masters, Ann Nicholson, Joseph Christopher and Thomas Christopher;Many nieces, nephews, cousins and hundreds of people lucky enough to call him friend.PRECEDED:He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, November 25, 2011, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, November 26, at 10:30 a.m., also at the funeral home. Rev. Mark Harkness, pastor of the Kaneville United Methodist Church, will officiate and interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery, Kaneville. MEMORIAL In lieu flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Howard Christopher Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com where you can also find his full life story.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, November 25, 2011, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, November 26, at 10:30 a.m., also at the funeral home. Rev. Mark Harkness, pastor of the Kaneville United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery, Kaneville.

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