Robert Edward Christensen, 93, of Ponca City, left this life to be with his Lord and Savior on February 11, 2023. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Ponca City Assembly with Rev. Micah Wells officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK, 74601.

Bob was born on January 26, 1930, in Ponca City, to Edward and Luella (Matson) Christensen. He graduated from Ponca City High, then attended the University of Oklahoma before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1950. Upon discharge in 1954, Bob attended Oklahoma State University. He married Lila Thoen on April 19, 1952, who preceded him in death. Bob began working at Hughes Tool Company, Houston, TX, as a design draftsman after graduation in 1956. When Bob retired from Hughes Tool Company, he began working for NASA, until his retirement in 1998. He married Ardetha Connelly on November 29, 1997, who also preceded him in death.

Bob had a passion for aviation throughout his life, volunteering as an Air Scout in his teens, building model planes and gliders of balsa wood, training pilots on flight simulators in the Air Force, working in the Space Shuttle program (which he described as the best part of his career), and later, in Ponca City, serving in the Aviation Booster Club. He also enjoyed photography and shooting family movies, going to car races with his friends, and barbecuing. Favorite family outings included Astros baseball games, air shows, the beach, camping, and traveling to different parts of the country.

In retirement, Bob served alongside his wife, Ardetha at Ponca City Assembly of God and enjoyed an active family, church, and social life with her that included travel with friends, trips to Branson, family gatherings and celebrations, and volunteering with the Booster Club and Poncan Theater. He liked to stay active, going to weekly coffee with his brother and friends, playing dominoes with the seniors at church, and taking care of his yard.

He was a loyal friend and brother, a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who also had a big heart for the family pets. We are grateful for his gracious, faithful, and loving care. He is forever in our hearts and greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his brother, John Christensen and wife Wanda, of Ponca City; daughters, Glenna Christensen of Tacoma, WA, and Lynn Gustafson and her husband, David, of Burleson, TX, Paula Greenhagen and husband Jimmy, of Ponca City; and sons, Kurt Christensen of Burleson, TX, and Terry Connelly and wife Glenda, of Edmond, OK; and 9 grandchildren, as well as 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Luella Christensen, his sister Anita Irene, and wives, Lila and Ardetha, and son, Tommy Connelly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of North Central Oklahoma 445 Fairview Ave. Ponca City, OK 74601 Northern Oklahoma Humane Society 900 W. Prospect Ave. Ponca City, OK 74601 Ponca City Aviation Booster Club 2401 Waverly St., Ste #15 Ponca City, OK 74601

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