SrA Jace W. Christer Obituary (2002

SrA Jace W. Christer, 21, of Crestview, FL, formerly of Pana passed away Monday, September 4, 2023, in Florida. He was born January 12, 2002, in Decatur. Jace was a graduate of Pana High School, Class of 2020. After high school, Jace joined the U.S. Air Force. He served in the 33rd Maintenance Squadron and in 2022, he was awarded Maintenance Professional of the Year - Airman award. On February 4, 2023, Jace was promoted to Senior Airman Below-the-Zone. Jace received several awards and ribbons during his time in the Air Force. He was awarded the 33rd Maintenance Group's Airman Maintenance Professional of the Year 2022, 33rd Maintenance Squadron's Maintenance Professional of the Third Quarter 2022, 33rd Fighter Wing's Team of the Third Quarter 2022, 33rd Fighter Wing's Team of the Year 2022 and 33rd Maintenance Squadron's Team of the Second Quarter 2023. His ribbons included Air and Space Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Air and Space Training Ribbon. Jace loved soccer and had played on the PHS soccer team and the Midstate Travel Soccer team, and he continued his love of playing soccer when he moved to Florida. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, building & flying hobby airplanes and was a very talented guitar player. Jace is survived by his father & stepmother, Jeremy & Staci Christer, Pana, IL; mother, Lora Christer, Girard, IL; siblings: Katie Christer, Grayson Christer, Brenna Christer; grandparents: Brad & Sheila Christer, Jeff & Deb Stephens, Larry & Lee Ann Sarver and Carl & Gina Hoelscher; great grandparents: Buford & Elaine Webb, Phyllis Sarver and Bill & Janet Stephens; and several aunts, uncles & cousins. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Jarrett Sarver and many other loved ones. Funeral services for Jace will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Pana Christian Church with Pastor Antonio Sutton officiating. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery, Pana with military rites by the U.S. Air Force. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in Pana Christian Church. Memorials in Jace's honor may be made to Faith Bible Christian Academy, Rosamond, IL and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.