Dr. Christopher S. Gallaher passes away

Retired Morehead State University Department of Music Chair Dr. Christopher S. Gallaher, age 77, of Morehead, passed Feb. 25.

Born June 10, 1940, in Ashland, he was the son of A. Frank and Bethel Christian Gallaher.

Gallaher earned an AB degree in music education/composition in 1962 at Morehead State; a Masters in Music (theory and trumpet) degree at Indiana University in 1965 and a Ph.D. degree in music theory/composition/trumpet in 1975 from Indiana University.

His teaching career began as a band director at Raceland High School in 1962. From 1966-70, Gallaher taught at Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland. In 1972, he returned to MSU and taught until retirement in 2003. Christopher served as the chair of the Department of Music and was recognized as a recipient of the University’s most prized faculty award in being awarded the 1996-97 “Distinguished Creative Productions Award.”

He was an extensively published composer/arranger of nearly 50 compositions and arrangements. Gallaher traveled the U.S. performing with artists such as Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley, Johnny Mathis, Henry Mancini, Sonny and Cher and Pat Boone.

Gallaher is survived by his wife, Linda Swearingen Gallaher, a son, Brent Christopher and wife Vanessa of Cincinnati, a daughter, Shannon Erin and husband David Schmidt of Dublin, Ohio, and their two sons, Aiden David and Gabriel William; a brother, Jack and wife Pat of Ashland, and a sister, Beverly Summers of Valley Village, California.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the A. Frank and Bethel C. Gallaher Memorial Music Performance Competition at Morehead State University, MSU Foundation, 150 University Blvd., Box 1887, Morehead, KY 40351.