Thomas Edward “Ed” Christman

July 12, 1928 – August 1, 2021

Thomas Edward “Ed” Christman, 93, Noblesville, passed away in his home peacefully on Sunday, August 1, 2021. He was born on July 12, 1928, in Fortville, Ind., to Wanda Christman.

Ed moved to Noblesville in his early childhood and held many memories in the area living with his mother, father, and brother Pete. He graduated from Noblesville High School in 1946 and began his hobby of flying in 1947. After becoming a licensed Private Pilot, Ed achieved his dream of owning his own airplane and took great joy in flying around the country. Ed enlisted in the Army in 1951 and proudly served as a First Lieutenant in Artillery.

Ed attended Purdue University to study Animal Science. Working first with United Feeds then Moorman’s, Ed was known throughout Hamilton and contiguous counties for his expertise in livestock nutrition for over 35 years. He also raised 300 feeder pigs and Angus cattle at his farm outside of Cicero. He later worked at Kitterman Machine Co. as a Tool & Die Maker.

On July 18, 1978, Ed married Jane Waterman and took on the responsibility of raising four more children. The two built strong relationships by hosting most family holidays and Wednesday night suppers. Passionate for adventure, they traveled the country on their motorcycle and collected many amazing stories and photos. They visited all 48 continental states, filling a goal they had set. They filled their time at home with weekly breakfasts with friends, riding his motorcycle, and getting donuts from Fortville (always picking up enough to share). Their journey together was a multitude of experiences, enabling Ed to have endless stories to share and inspire friends and family to explore what the world has to offer.

Having lived a long and fulfilling life, Ed had developed many hobbies, including riding his motorcycle with Goldwing Chapter P, bowling (Indiana State Seniors Singles Champion!), golfing with his buddies, flying both life-size and model airplanes, and coaching little league baseball. Later in life, Ed spent much of this time building and flying model airplanes, reading many books, watching his grandchildren play ball, learning to play the organ, and visiting the Atlanta Music Hall. He was passionate about sharing his hobbies with everyone and has many accounts of letting others fly his plane, bringing his grandchildren along on motorcycle trips, and spending hours sharing his adventures with anyone who would listen.

Ed was an avid learner with an extensive appetite for wisdom gained through the voyage of life. He was the epitome of perseverance and strength, and with great tenacity for achievement – Ed was a man who kept coming back. His devotion to family, friends, and life inspired those around him. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Jane Christman; children, Dave and Nick (Leeann) Christman, Kim (Steve) Scully, David (Melanie) Bailey, and Brian Bailey; 11 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; three dogs; and an extensive extended family. He is predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Wanda Stevenson; brother, Marlin “Pete” (Sylvia) Christman; daughters, Linda Christman and Kaye Bailey; and grandson, Daniel.

Ed donated his body to science for the advancement of medicine and will not be having a traditional service. A celebration of life will be hosted for close family and friends and will be announced at a later date.

Ed’s family is incredibly grateful for all the support, prayers, and thoughtful gifts prior to and following Ed’s death.