Middlebury, IN. - Wayne O. Christner died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 16 after a brief illness.

He and his adoring wife, Nancy, were longtime residents of Middlebury.

Throughout his life, Wayne thoroughly enjoyed sports. He was a top notch softball pitcher as well as a member of Maplecrest Country Club for over 50 years, winning several championships. Wayne also relished cheering for the Chicago Bears, IU, and Notre Dame.

Music was another passion of Wayne's. With his beautiful bass voice, he loved to sing. Earlier in his life, Wayne was a member of a popular local band. More recently, he enjoyed singing karaoke at the American Legion and was a member of the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Middlebury.

Most of all, Wayne loved to have fun and enjoy adventures with his loving wife, Nancy. They loved to laugh and share the company of others. A dear friend once described Wayne and Nancy as lovebirds. This was such an accurate statement as they were always happiest when they were in each other's company.

Wayne was born on July 8, 1937 in Goshen to Olen and Polly (Miller) Christner.

In addition to his beloved wife, Nancy, Wayne is survived by his son, Kevin Christner, of Indianapolis; a daughter, Starla (Dan) Miller of North Vernon; and stepdaughter, Tammy (Herb) Hofer, of Valparaiso. His grandchildren include Sonya (Luke) Lazo of North Vernon; and step grandchildren, John Hofer and Matt Hofer, of Valparaiso. Wayne is also survived by his brothers, Dean Christner of Shipshewana; Olen (Inez) Christner, Jr. of Shipshewana; and sister-in-law, Gertie Christner of Shipshewana.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Orville Christner; his sister, Marlene Wagler; and sister in law, Ivy Christner.

Visitation is scheduled from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St. Middlebury.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 720 S. Main St., Middlebury. Services will by Pastor David Eaton from the church.

Burial will take place at Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury.

Memorial contributions may be given to either the First United Methodist Church or the Middlebury Township Fire Department in appreciation for the assistance that they have provided to the family.

Onlinecondolencesmaybeoffered@millerstewartfuneralhome.com.