ORWELL — Thomas Lee Christian, age 81, passed away Friday, April 10, 2020, at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Mr. Christian was born in Rutland on April 25, 1938. He was the son of Leo and Virginia (Fortier) Christian. He grew up in Orwell, where he received his early education and graduated from Brandon High School, class of 1956. He was a lifelong Orwell resident.
In his earlier years he worked for the State of Vermont building dams in Addison. He drove a milk truck for Ken Macfarlane for several years. He has been a truck driver for over 36 years. He drove a milk truck for Cumberland Farms for many years and retired from Carris Reels following more than 24 years of service. Following retirement, he did custom cutting for Team Woods Farm in Shoreham.
He belonged to Independence Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. in Orwell, where he served as Past Master. He was an active member of Cairo Shrine in Rutland, where he was a member of the Mini Cars Patrol and the Court Jesters. He served in the Vermont Army National Guard, and was a member and past commander of Castleton American Legion Post 50.
Surviving are his wife, Cynthia (Severy) Christian of Orwell, whom he married in Brandon on June 13, 1959; one daughter, Julie Christian of West Lebanon, N.H.; three sons, Michael Christian and his wife Shelley and Brian Christian and his partner Debbie Bashaw of Orwell, and Todd Christian and his wife Heather of Bomoseen; two sisters, Barbara Blair of Orwell and Ruth Nichols of Rutland. Three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by his parents.
A private graveside committal service and burial will take place at a later date in the family lot at Mountain View Cemetery in Orwell.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to Orwell First Response Squad or the Orwell Volunteer Fire Department.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.◊