Robert Roy “Bob” Christian peacefully ended his long battle with cancer on November 24, 2019 at the age of 86.

Bob was born in St. Louis, MO on January 2, 1933 and attended the University of Missouri on a track scholarship. After graduating, Bob spent 20 years serving his country as a naval aviator.

A founding partner of Esprit Décor in Chesapeake, Bob retired to become the primary caregiver to his wife of 60 years, Sally, who preceded him in death on March 12, 2017. During retirement Bob enthusiastically pursued numerous interests.

Concentrating on his lifelong avocation, wood carving, Bob began carving carousel horses as gifts for his grandchildren and produced numerous carousel animals that have been displayed publicly in Hampton Roads.

Bob also loved gardening and the outdoors, especially deer hunting with his family and friends in Southampton County.

Bob’s interest in sports and desire to create opportunities for area children led to his 17 years as the hurdles coach for the St. Gregory the Great Catholic School track team. His commitment to the school was marked by his 2018 Marian Award and by coaching the 2019 team from a wheelchair.

For 18 years Grandpa Bob was also an avid supporter of the Catholic High School field hockey team and League coached by his daughter, Beth “Coach K” Christian Keenehan. The Catholic High Crusaders were forced to share his attention when his granddaughter, Katie Keenehan Duke became the head coach of the Great Bridge Wildcats field hockey middle and high school teams. Secretive with his scouting reports, Bob’s contribution to the Wildcats’ success, which includes two state championships, is hard to gauge but was certainly significant. He would listen to classical music, watch the girls play, and deliver strategic and supportive notes to Beth and Katie during halftime.

He is survived by three sons, Mark (Sherry); Mike (Vanessa); and Ricky (Ellen); and one daughter, Beth Keenehan (Mike).

To Bob who was affectionately known as “PaPa”, his grandchildren were royalty and he will be sorely missed by Stephanie Troyan (Chris); Robert Christian; Brittney Christian; Rachel Lacy (Robert): Sarah Perry (Adam); Katie Duke (Jim); Mary Bauswell (Chase); Ricky Christian, and Sean Christian.

Bob is also remembered in many ways by the many people whose lives he touched.
To his grandchildren and great grandchildren, “PaPa.”
To his deer hunting buddies, “Bull Moose.”
To his hurdlers, “Coach Bob.”
To his field hockey girls, “Grandpa Bob” and “G Bob.”
To his warehouse crew, “Bubba” and “Fudd.”
To his pal Gus as his “Pal.”

Bob was also blessed to know his eight great grandchildren: Skylar, Sebastian,and Zoe Troyan; Landon, and Brayden Christian; Connor, Jacob, and Ryan Duke; and was comforted while passing knowing that a ninth would arrive around Thanksgiving, Reilly Bauswell.

The family will receive visitors at Oman Funeral Home on December 3rd from 6 pm to 8 pm. Internment will be at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery following a funeral mass at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church on December 4th at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.

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