January 23, 1943 – May 13, 2025
Barry Wayne Christen, 82, of Pearland, TX, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with the Lord on May 13, 2025.
Barry was born in Houston, TX on January 23, 1943, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the only child of Conrad and Melba Christen. He attended Lamar High School. He went on to graduate from University of Houston with a BS degree in Sociology and later from Central Missouri State University with a MS degree in Safety. While attending University of Houston, he met the love of his life Eliabeth (Liz) Ann Boehm and they began dating in May 1965. They married in April 1967. During his senior year in university, Barry was selected for military service due to the Vietnam conflict, after graduating, he enlisted and was inducted into the US Air Force in August 1966. He went on to serve 23 years in the Air Force and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1989.
Barry lived a life filled with love, kindness, and purpose marked with a passion for service. His life was defined by his service to all he encountered. Service to his family, nation, church and community. He served his nation honorably for 23 years in the military and then a second act serving NASA for 21 years in the Space Station Program. After retirement he volunteered with the Chaplaincy program at Memorial Houston Southeast Hospital offering a calming presence and praying with the patients.
At every tour stop in his military service, his ministry at his church and in his community was a driving force in his life. His service as a deacon, music minister and choir member, Sunday School teacher, and widow outreach liaison, marked a life that honored and glorified God. His way with people forged strong relationships with everyone he met. He was a family man who dedicated himself to his wife, his sons and their wives, and his beloved grandchildren.
Barry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Liz; sons Bradley Wayne and his wife Jennifer and Brian Dean and his wife Cherie; grandchildren Hannah May, Blake Elizabeth, Braeden Charles and Benjamin Wayne; brother-in-law Gary Boehm and a host of other family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on May 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church Friendswood, 111 East Heritage, Friendswood, TX 77546 commencing with visitation starting at 10:00am and a service following at 11:00am with Rev. Moe Mays officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the building program at First Baptist Church Friendswood.
4 thoughts on “Barry Wayne Christen”
My sincere condolences to the family. Barry was one of God's Angels on earth. His sincere kindness will be missed.
Barry ministered to my sisters Betty (deceased) and Niecie, and brothers-in-law Bob, Buddy and Garland (deceased). He was a gentle soul who was Christlike in every way. My condolences to Liz and her children. Barry will be missed by many.
I will miss Barry , my life long friend. Many years we were apart, but never forgotten. We were both baptized in Bethel. Went to Memorial Elem school where in 6 th grade , he won out over 3 people( yes me) to read Luke 2 at the Christmas party for students and family. Then on to Geo Washington Jr Hi- He was responsible for helping me pass algebra from Miss Scott. Then at graduation he was awarded the American Legion award! All the while we were part of Bethel Teen Fellowship. Seems we young people met constantly doing all kinds of activities. We were a very close and fortunate group. Then Barry went off to Lanier and me to Reagan. The rest you know. Sad goodby my friend. Will see you later .
Barry and I were good friends at the Bethel Teen Fellowship, a busy young people group. We went to Bethel for many years. His spirit will live on in my memories. He will be deeply missed.