Richard Allen Christensen, age 75, of Vienna, was born December 15, 1946, at Missoula, Montana, a son of Robert Dale and Elizabeth Claire (Hobby) Christensen, and passed from this life Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City.

On September 13, 1966, at Butte, Montana, Richard entered active federal service in the United States Army and served until September 12, 1968, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, at the rank of Specialist 5 (E-5).  During his military training, Richard was educated in Code of Conduct, Military Justice, the Geneva Convention, and for ten weeks training by the Medical Corps at the Medical Training Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to be a Medical Specialist as his military specialty 91B20.  He was awarded and entitled to wear the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Rifle Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal (1 ^st award).  A man of excellent character, Richard's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of selfless and dedicated service to his country.

He met the love of his life while stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, and was united in marriage November 30, 1968, at Vienna, to the former Miss Phyllis Jean Terry.  Rich and Phyllis were truly destined to be together and enjoyed almost fifty-four years of married life together.  They were always loving, kind, supportive, steadfast in all situations, Godly witnesses, never wanting to be too far apart, and being devoted Christian parents setting the example for their children and others to follow.

Richard was a true believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and knowing Jesus is the only way to achieve eternal salvation.  He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1967 and was baptized.  At the time of his passing, Richard was a member of First Baptist Church, Vienna, where he served as a Deacon and was active in all areas of church ministry.

During his working life, Richard was employed as Manager of Grizzly Auto Center, Missoula, Montana, where Rich and Phyllis lived for most of their married life.  They moved back to Phyllis' hometown, Vienna, in 2003, and opened Oak Harvest Treasures offering Oak furniture and other home décor items until retiring in 2012.

Following retirement, Richard continued to enjoy and was very talented in wood working projects, since he had handcrafted or constructed many of the pieces sold at their store.  He was a big part of the Praise and Worship Team at First Baptist by playing his guitar and helping with the singing.  Richard really liked playing Golf with friends and family, was a perfectionist when doing lawn work, and especially any activity involving his wife and family.

Those left to celebrate the life of Richard include:  His wife, Phyllis, of their home in Vienna; one son, Brent Allen Christensen, and his wife, Melinda, along with daughter, Blake, of Columbia; one daughter, Richelle Grosvenor, and her husband, Rob, along with children, Grace and Chase, of Four Seasons; one brother, Robert Dale Christensen, Jr., of Missoula, Montana; nephews; nieces; other relatives, and a host of friends.

A memorial funeral service for Mr. Richard A. Christensen will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022, in First Baptist Church, 1004 US Highway 63, Vienna, MO 65582, with Bro. Chris Slocum and Bro. Mike Hurtgen officiating, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Immediately following the funeral service for Richard in the church sanctuary, the Christensen family extends an invitation to all in attendance to share a meal with them in the Baptist Hall located on the lower level of the church.

A private family inurnment will be held for Mr. Richard A. Christensen in Vienna Public Cemetery with Steve Brown, Bob Massey, Jim Pointer, Dwight Slone, Laine Smith, Don Snodgrass, Randy Stockstill, Don Swarthout, Leslie Tackett, and Tyler Willoughby serving as his honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Richard A. Christensen are suggested by his family to the First Baptist Church Backpack Program for Children or the Tunnel To Towers Foundation with envelopes available at the church the day of service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

An additional memorial funeral service for Mr. Richard A. Christensen will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 18, 2022, in the Linda Vista Event Center, 4915 Lower Miller Creek Road, Missoula, Montana 59803.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Richard A. Christensen at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com