Sumiko Christy

With profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, retired CW3 Merle Wayne Christy and Sumiko Christy. They were married for 57 years and were always together so it is fitting they passed away together. Mom and Dad met when Dad was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. They were married in Okinawa and Dad had to return to the states before Mom’s paperwork was finalized. When her papers were in order, she flew to the states with a picture of Dad’s sister who met the plane in California. Aunt Donna helped Mom get the rest of the way to El Paso. In El Paso, they started their family. Barbra and Katy were born in El Paso and from there they moved to Germany where Mary was born. Dad was then stationed several different places in California and then to Fort Richardson, Alaska where Terry was born. Dad was then sent back to El Paso. Once back in El Paso, Dad decided to retire from the military after 23 years of service. Mom and Dad did everything together. In their younger years they enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, gardening and canning. Dad liked to hunt and Mom would enthusiastically cook what he brought home. Mom was an excellent cook. She could make anything taste good. Mom and Dad also enjoyed going to a casino or two. Dad took his bible study very seriously and would rise early every day to start his bible study. Dad was the calm levelheaded parent and Mom was the one who would make you laugh until you cried. Her laugh was contagious. Wayne and Sue are survived by their four daughters: Barbra Shipp, Katy Christy and her husband James Hampton, Mary Christy and Jeff Russell and Terry Sprague and her husband Tom Sprague; Dad’s sister Laura Gail Engel. They had 7 grandchildren, Samantha, Thomas, Kaitlyn, Amanda, Emily, Spencer and Casidee. Seven great – grandchildren AJ, Makenna, Calen, Nolen and Emalynn; plus many nieces and nephews. Please join us in celebrating their lives on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Funeral Service to begin at 11:30 am at Sunset Funeral Home – Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. Committal Service to follow at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson. All services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home – Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. Please visit our online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net