Lester S. McChristian

Col. Lester S. McChristian, USAF (ret.), 83 of Fountain Valley, Calif., died June 7, 2017. He was born March 8, 1934 in Fayetteville, the son of Thomas Lester McChristian and Lettie Mae McChristian. He attended Fayetteville schools (1-12), U of A School of Engineering one year, then he was awarded a congressional appointment to USMA at West Point, N.Y. Upon graduation, Les received a commission to the USAF and served 28 years. He had a successful and rewarding career as a pilot, aerospace engineer, highly classified program manager, and decorated Vietnam War Veteran. Upon retirement from military, he was employed with McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Corporation in Huntington Beach, Calif., as a Vice President in Space Programs Division. Survivors include his wife of 61 years; Monte Roberts McChristian (Fayetteville girl) of Fountain Valley; sons John M. (Cynthia) of Texas, David S., and daughter Leslie A. of Fountain Valley; granddaughter Jennifer L., and three great-grandsons of Texas. Graveside service will be held at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville at 3:00 P.M. on Oct. 13, 2017. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.nelsonberna.com.