David Clayton Christian, 77, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away while being visited by family early in the morning of Friday, March 20, 2026, after an extended hospitalization.
David was born on Christmas Day 1948 to Clayton Francis Christian and the former Margaret Louise Repper in Jefferson City. He is survived by his four children and stepchildren: David C. Christian II (Jill), of Chicago; Sarah Louise Hazelton (Duane), of Crossville, Tennessee; Kevin Alexander (Heidi), of East Hartford, Connecticut; and Caroline Caitlin Christian, of Kansas City, Missouri. David enjoyed visiting his grandchildren – John, Thomas, Genevieve, and Jude Christian; Maggie, Emily, Abby, and Callie Hazelton; and Dylan, Andrew, Tyler, and Matthew Alexander – for graduations, sporting events, and other celebrations. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Jill Reynolds, and his sister, Becky Jane Christian. David was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte Louise Christian (Alexander).
After graduating from Jefferson City High School, David obtained his Bachelor of Arts, with honors in economics, and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Missouri, where he was Phi Beta Kappa, Order of the Coif, and valedictorian of his law school class. He practiced law in Kansas City, represented Clay County in the Missouri House of Representatives for three terms from 1977 to 1983, and served as the Assessor of Platte County from 2011 to 2013. He also spent many years working at Kansas City Power & Light as manager of governmental affairs.
David served in the United States Army, in which he was commissioned as an air defense artillery officer after becoming a distinguished military graduate in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.
In retirement, David continued to serve in politics, including a recent stint as chairman of the Platte County Democratic Central Committee. When not politicking, David enjoyed traveling with Jill, joining her at the opera, and attending charitable events. While at home, he enjoyed spending time with his and his children’s dogs, which he spoiled with food from the table.
Donations in David’s memory can be sent to American Public Square (americanpublicsquare.org), 300 E. 39th St., #2S, Kansas City, MO 64111, or to Wayside Waifs (waysidewaifs.org), 3901 Martha Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO 64137.
