Martin Christy “Chris” Oetting

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Martin Christy “Chris” Oetting, 85, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Saturday evening, October 19, 2019 at Carthage Health and Rehabilitation. Chris was born September 20, 1934 in Macomb, Missouri to the late Martin Henry Oetting and Lolella Dove (Christy) Oetting. He was a 1952 graduate of Mansfield High School. Chris graduated from Southwest Missouri State and then attended seminary at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Chris married Billie Gail Dennis on August 5, 1955 in Mansfield, Missouri. He was a pastor in the United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, serving in Richland, MO, Higginsville, MO, Marshall, MO, Sedalia, MO, and Osage Beach, MO, including appointments as district superintendent in both Joplin and Springfield, eventually retiring in Carthage. He was a member of the Carthage Shrine Club, the Carthage Masonic Lodge, and the Carthage Kiwanis Club.

Chris was an avid woodworker who made furniture, instruments, toys and clocks for his many family and friends. He also collected and restored antique tractors and enjoyed gardening, camping and volunteering in the community.

Survivors include his wife, Gail; three daughters, Denise Marsh (husband Chris), St. Charles, Missouri; Donna Maggard, Carthage; and Debbie Reynolds, Webb City, Missouri; two sons, Martin “Marty” Oetting II (wife Helen), Columbia, Missouri; and Jonathan “Jon” Oetting (wife Jennifer), Tallahassee, Florida; one brother, Ronald Oetting (wife Joyce), Griffin, Georgia; and thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends.

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He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Marvin Oetting; one sister-in-law, Judy Oetting; and one granddaughter, Rachel Marsh.

Visitation will be held 6-7 pm, Friday, October 25, 2019 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Memorial services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Missouri United Methodist Foundation in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

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