Richard Marlen Christmann
December 6, 1929 ~ January 22, 2024
Richard Marlen Christmann passed away on January 22, 2024 at his home in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 94. He was a physicist and inventor with 7 inventions that were patented. He was a Sgt. 1st Class in the Army. While serving in Huntsville, Alabama he was instrumental in contributing to the Explorer IV & V satellite space projects. He received a letter of recognition for his dedication and hard work from Wernher Von Braun who was one of the most important rocket developers and champions of space exploration in the 20th century. Marlen also helped organize the first moon landing. He leaves behind a daughter, Melissa (Al); daughter-in-law, Theresa; niece, Maria; nephew, Eric; grandchildren, Kevin, Crysta (Brad), Thomas, Matthew (Michelle), Marshall (Elizabeth), Mark (Shawnee), and too many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to list here. The family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date.Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Rest Richard, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army.
Because Marlen’s sister was my sister-in-law, I grew up in awe of Marlen. He would sometimes be at the “garage” using the backend for his cars. (My dad was a Studebaker dealer in Pratt). Marlen’s superior intelligence was evident in his conversation, his intelligence, and his inventions.
I posted a memory of Marlen, should have signed it Kay Young. (Cookie Galliart) his sister was Carol Christmann Galliart