Christian Dewey Nearpass, aged 85, of Benton Harbor, MI, peacefully stepped into Glory on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Sue’s Loving Care, Parchment, MI. Christian was born on July 13. 1939, to Dewey and Karene (Bartell) Nearpass.

Chris proudly served in the United States Air Force from May, 1958 – August, 1959, and was honorably discharged. On January 29, 1961, he married Diane Ulrich in Coldwater, MI. She preceded him in death in December of 2022.

Chris was a man of many skills. He grew up farming on the family farm in Coldwater, MI. He worked as an ironworker for the Local #340 and #25. For 25 years, he and Diane owned and operated C & D Mobile Home and RV Sales and Services in Berrien Springs, MI. His greatest passion was flying. He was the youngest flight instructor in the state of Michigan. He was an active member of the Taildragger Flyers in Benton Harbor, MI, until health issues forced him to give up flying. He loved teaching eager pupils to fly. He served in the churches they attended and he spent time every morning studying his Bible and in prayer.

Chris is survived by his children, Jeff Nearpass, Benton Harbor, MI; Don (Shaun) Nearpass, Galesburg, MI; and Christa Wright, Benton Harbor, MI; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, George and Leslie Nearpass; sisters, Mary Thompson, Suzanne Allen, Dorothy Breneman, and Marion Martin; and a nephew, Ronny Nearpass.