Leonard John Christensen

Leonard John Christensen passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2023, at THE BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas, with Johnny Mankin officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco. The family invites you to attend the services in comfortable and casual attire.

Leonard was born April 1, 1941, in Waco, Texas, to Paul and Flora Christensen. He and his two brothers were raised by their single mother, in Bellmead, Texas. He attended LaVega schools, kindergarten through senior year, and was a proud member of the graduating class of 1959. He married Linda Bland in 1963 and they raised three children together: Tate, Traci and Todd. In 2003, he married Debbie Brown Haltom and added son, Casey Haltom, to his family.

He worked at General Tire and later drove a Texaco fuel truck. Leonard attended Texas State Technical Institute, where he earned his degree in drafting. He went to work for Lochridge-Priest Inc. in their drafting department in 1968, eventually becoming a partner. In 1992, he sold his interests in Lochridge-Priest and started The Christensen Company. He built many dental clinics and remodeled George’s Restaurants as well as many homes and businesses in Central Texas.

He developed a love and passion for cars while spending countless hours with cousin, Joe Wachsmann, and many nights cruising Austin Avenue. He also loved coaching his kids in all sports, especially rodeo, where he hauled his kids and many others millions of miles. He also enjoyed watching his children perform in recitals and shows. Some of his other hobbies and interests included: snow skiing, boating and skiing on Lake Waco and Lake Whitney, entertaining people on his barge, dancing and fellowship with multitudes of friends.

Active in his community, Leonard was involved with Woodway Boys Club, Midway Little League, Texas High School Rodeo Association (where he started Region 10), Midway Athletic Boosters, Midway Ag Boosters, Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo, Robinson Ag Boosters, St. Paul’s basketball and Baylor Tip Off Club. He was also a loyal 20-year season ticket holder for Baylor Women’s basketball.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Flora Christensen; his brother, Kenneth Christensen; and nephew, Mark Christensen.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Christensen; sons, Tate Christensen and wife Misty, Todd Christensen and wife Julie, and Casey Haltom; his daughter, Traci McCormick and husband Khaun; his brother, George Christensen and wife Lillian, nephew, Paul Christensen and wife Sherri; grandchildren Loren Johnson and husband Jarred, Tyler Christensen and wife Tori, D.J. McCormick and wife Makenzy, Ross Coskrey, Sydney Christensen, Chandlar Coskrey, Brayden Christensen, and Riley Christensen; as well as six great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers are Tyler Christensen, D.J. McCormick, Jay Hestilow, Barry Hestilow, Joe Hestilow, Kevin Christensen, Scott Bland and Marty Miller.

The family would like to thank Carol Cobb for her loving care. They would also like to thank the Heartis Waco, Sammy Citrano, Parnell McNamara, Shawn Nixon, Johnny Mankin, Scott Felton and Wes Allison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission Waco and The Alzheimer’s Association.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.