Return to Station Listings
|
Dr. Chris Allen Bernard Common
Born: 3/9/1929
Died: 5/18/2017
Age: 88
Community: Flushing, MI
|
Common, Dr. Chris Allen Bernard, age 88, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017. Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017, promptly at 2 pm (please arrive by 1:40 pm), Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI, Mr. Brad McFaul officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Us TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group, the Flushing Historical Society, or the Flushing Christian Outreach Center.
Chris was born on March 9, 1929 in Saginaw, MI, the eldest son of Albina (Brosky) and Christopher Common. He graduated Flint Northern High School in 1947, where he was an honor student, Senior Vice President, played tennis, and was a member of Sigma Chi Lambda. Chris served three years in the U.S. Navy, attending aviation electronics school. He was offered the honor to go either to White Sands or attend Navy pilot training. He chose to stay on the carriers, as he joined the Navy to see the sea! Chris graduated Tri State College (now Trine) in Angola, IN, with a degree in Electrical Engineering in December, 1953. Chris married Joan Louise Bahr on December 26, 1953, at Oak Park Methodist Church in Flint, MI. He also studied at GMI, Flint Junior College, and the University of Notre Dame. Chris received a Master of Arts and then a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1971. He belonged to a number of professional engineering groups, and was a director of the NE Michigan Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He was an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Flint, MI, where he often recorded the choir (he loved the director) to provide tapes to shut-ins and taught Sunday School. Chris was elected to serve on the Flushing City Council. Before becoming an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at GMI, he was an engineer at AC Spark Plug Division and at the Guided Missile and Jet Fuel Controls Sections, Bendix Corporation, South Bend, IN. He also had been a production worker at AC, Buick, Chevrolet and Fisher Body.
Chris enjoyed camping with the family for over twenty years at the Sleeping Bear Dunes campground. Upon retirement, he loved being at the family home in Frankfort, where there was a spectacular view of Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan. He would often go fishing or riding in his boat, out of Frankfort or Manistee Harbors. Chris also took great care of his neighbors, doing their snow removal and maintenance work. He could fix anything!
Surviving are: Wife of 63 years, Joan; brother William of Harrison; sister-in-law Evelyn Hare Common of Reed City; cousin Bonnie Adams of FL; Children: Chris Lee (Cindy) of Fenton, Karma Common of Flushing, Cary (Celia) of CA, and Kurt (Maila) of Tokyo; Grandchildren: Dr. Kelly (Mark) Beville of CO, Chris Charles (Angela) Common of Linden, Alexander Common of Troy, Cary Austin Common of CA, Courtney Common of CA, Sean Common of Tokyo, Andrew Common of Tokyo; Step-granddaughter Olivia (Carter) Himes of CA; Great grandchildren: Charlie and Finley Beville of CO, Macy and Hadley Common of Linden; Step-great grandchildren: Noah and Landon Beville of CO, Thomas, Michael and Isabelle Himes of CA; Nieces and nephews: Susan Common, Charles (Deborah) Common, Grace (Doug) Miller, Tina Ovalle, Eric (Dianne) Common; host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by infant son Lance, his parents, in-laws Leo and Vera Bahr, and brother Richard. Special thanks to the staff at McLaren 11 South and at Living Joy. |
Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
5/25/2017 |
| Time: |
|
- |
|
|
|
| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
|
6/5/2017 |
| Time: |
|
2:00 PM |
| |
| Location: |
|
Great Lakes National Cemetery
4200 Belford Road
Holly, MI 48442Get a Map to this location...
|
| Official: |
|
Mr. Brad McFaul |
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|
