S. Hugh Christianson02-05-1924 – 08-15-2016S. Hugh Christianson was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Stanley Hans and Gertrude (Cottle) Christianson. In 1926, the family moved to Houston, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin for two years and The University of Houston where he earned a B.A. in Geology and a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering, specializing in Oil and Gas Reservoir Engineering and graduating at the top of his class. He later took graduate courses at the University of Oklahoma. He was employed as a Petroleum Engineer with Atlantic Refining Company and successor ARCO Oil and Gas Company from 1954 to retirement in 1985.During his career the family lived in Midland, Tulsa, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Denver and Roswell before returning to Midland in 1970. He became an expert in the Empire Abo Field during his last fifteen years with ARCO. He was regarded as a man of integrity, a pleasant, even-tempered person of deep personal faith and a wonderful husband and father.Mr. Christianson was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a Registered Professional Engineer in Oklahoma. He was a member/officer in Midland Sash-a-Ways Square Dance Club and the Ballroom Dance Society of Midland; served on various committees/official boards at Methodist Churches over the years wherever he lived and at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where he was a member since October 18, 1970. He was a tenor in the St. Luke’s choir for many years, the song leader for the Keystone Class and the Prime Timers’ Group, holding offices in each as well. A Life-long member of the Methodist Church, he met his future wife at Sunday School in Midland, where they were married August 18, 1956.Hugh is survived by his wife, Louise (Burton) of Midland, Texas; daughter, Holly Roundtree (James R.) of Dallas, Texas; son, Eric Hugh Christianson (Alice) of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandsons, Aaron Michael Christianson and his son Kaden Michael; Eric Hugh Christianson, Jr; Granddaughter, Joy Marie Christianson, and niece Carole. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Virginia. Hugh’s “Long Goodbye” ended as he stepped into the Light of Eternity.No services are planned at this time.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Scholarship Fund at The University of Houston, Cullen College of Engineering, P.O. Box 867, Houston, Texas, 77001-0867, a charity of one’s choice or Hospice of Midland, 911 West Texas, Midland, Texas 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com. ,
