Mike Christy

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

October 11, 1930 - August 18, 2025

Chief William “Mike” Christy, U.S. Navy Retired, passed away on August 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Mike began his journey on October 11, 1930, on a farm near Uniontown, Kansas, where he developed the work ethic and down-to-earth values that would define his life. 

Mike graduated early from high school and set off for Wichita, Kansas, where he began his career as a carpenter with Vollmer Construction—the first of many chapters in a life well-lived of almost 95 years.

At 21, Mike joined the United States Navy, serving with distinction during the Korean War and in Occupied Japan as a deep-sea diver with the rank of Engineman Second Class aboard the U.S.S. Chanticleer, a submarine rescue ship with the 7th Fleet. Later in life, he joined the Navy Reserves as a Seabee and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.

In 1954, Mike married Donna Lea Tanner, also of Uniontown. Together, they built a family with three sons and shared 30 years of marriage until Donna's passing in 1984. Mike returned to civilian life in 1955 and rejoined Vollmer Construction in Wichita, where his skill and dedication earned him the title of Master Carpenter.

Mike attended Kansas State University and graduated from Wichita University in 1961 with a B.S. in Business Administration. This education opened new doors, leading him to Carthage, Missouri, where he joined Carthage Marble as superintendent of marble installation and eventually rose to Vice President in charge of installation—proving that a farm boy from Kansas could build anything, including a successful career.

In 1989, Mike's heart found love again when he married Charlene Kelley. They would have celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on September 2—a testament to the enduring love and companionship they shared.

Mike was the kind of man who found joy in life's simple pleasures: watching an afternoon car race, the satisfaction of tinkering in his garage, and the perfect slice of pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. But anyone who knew Mike understood that his greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who made sure everyone he loved had not just a roof over their heads, but a foundation of love beneath their feet.
Mike Christy was a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge and the Carthage United Methodist Church.

Mike Christy is preceded in death by his first wife Donna Christy (Carthage, Missouri); son, Mitch Christy (Carthage, Missouri); and siblings, Beatrice Christy (Redfield, Kansas), Carole Christy (Redfield, Kansas), Edwin “Junior” Christy (Wichita, Kansas), Virginia Christy Hess (Wichita, Kansas), and Donna Christy Hall (Fort Scott, Kansas).

Mike is survived by his wife Charlene Christy of Joplin, Missouri; sons, Steve Christy (Cherie) of Churchville, Maryland, Greg Christy (Virginia) of Puyallup, Washington, and Mike Kelley of Rogers, Arkansas; brothers, Scott Christy of Duenweg, Missouri, and Tom Christy (Pat) of Fort Scott, Kansas; grandchildren, Donna Christy, Tanner Christy, Taylor Christy Woodruff (Robert Woodruff), Kathryn Kelley, Charles Kelley, Marcella Christy, and Isabella Christy; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Ann Woodruff and James Scott Woodruff; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage, Missouri, with Rev. Dixie Winn officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in C/O of the funeral home.

Interment of Cremains will follow the Memorial Service at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri with Rev. James Lee officiating.

There will also be a Full Military service to honor Mike’s service at the Cemetery.