Robert Jewell Chrisman passed away at St. Joseph Hospital on January 15th. He was born August 2, 1939 in Pittsburgh Kansas to the parents of Hubert Jewell and Margaret Isabell Chrisman. Shortly thereafter, brother Jack was born in 1941. The Navy enlisted Hubert Chrisman to join the Manhattan Project so the family traveled to Happy Valley, TN where sister, Ann was born in 1945.
Following the end of the war, the family moved to a Mulberry, Arkansas farm which had no utilities and merely a water well, outhouse, mules, cows, hogs, chickens and old-time farming. Robert and Jack attended a one room school for several years then the family moved with a mobile home, to their grandma’s farm in Salisbury, Missouri where their brother, Carl was born.
Next, to the North, where their father worked in construction in Hammond, Gary, and Black Oak Indiana. Robert began selling newspapers and made his route his first small business. He also began developing his musical interests then.
In 1950, Hubert purchased a very small house in Roselawn, IN where brothers Forrest Earl, Leroy David, Hubert Jewell and sister Edna Louise were born. Robert attended Fair Oaks High School where he was a talented musician. He formed a musical group called “B Sharps” and performed in the local Legion Hall.
Following high school he attended St. Joseph College for a year, but after deciding it wasn’t for him, so he headed to Canada on a one-way ticket to become a professional musician. He also played with Guy Lombardo of the Royal Canadians which was a huge honor.
Robert joined the Navy and played in the Naval Band while traveling all over to perform. He proudly served for four years with most of his time in Alaska.
In 1962, Robert proposed to Carolyn Blink, of Roseland IL. They met in front of the Buckingham Fountain, downtown Chicago. Robert was married to Carolyn and they built a home in Country Club Hills, IL, where Robert and Carolyn began a family of their own with surviving son Robert Jewell Chrisman, Jr (Bobby) and daughter Lynee Carolyn Chrisman (Miller). Following a divorce, he married Barbara in 1973 and had two surviving stepchildren, Gary Adams (wife Nicole) and Karen Adams.
Robert worked enthusiastically in the insurance business for over 50 years. He also worked independently to represent numerous companies and tailor his clients’ needs appropriately. He continued to work in in his business until his departure.
Robert was an extremely positive person and he would always have a great outlook on life. He loved talking and interacting with other people. His laugh was boisterous, and he was always smiling. He will always be remembered for these great qualities.
Robert’s surviving Chrisman family members are Gerald (Jack) Chrisman, Milwaukee, WI, Carl Chrisman, Lincoln, NE, Edna Waddle Chrisman, Tippecanoe, IN, Margaret Ann Dolan, Madison, Alabama, his son Robert Jewell Chrisman Jr. Huntersville, NC, his daughter, Lynee Chrisman Miller (husband Brian), Burlington KY and his loving grandsons Ethan and Donovan.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 9:30am until the time of the 11:00am memorial service all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial of his urn will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Huntley. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Anderson Animal Shelter
https://www.andersonanimalshelter.org/
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may be prompted to allow DefioreFuneral access to your camera.
My best friend and brother is in heaven. He is with mom and dad and his beloved brothers; Jewell, Forrest, and Leroy. Now Robert and Jewell can play music forever.
Dad, your voice and laughter will always remain with me. You're now in such a beautiful place that we, here on earth, can only imagine. Your struggles are no more as you join all of our loved ones in heaven. ~ You made my clarinet make music I never knew it was capable of producing! As a child, you always let me try to hurt you with my running punches that always seemed to bring you a good belly laugh to start the day. ....It's the small memories that are so powerful! May God hold you in His arms as you begin your heavenly journey. See you there someday. Love, your daughter Lynee xoxo
To our brother: Today is full memories. Of brother laid to rest. Every single one of them Filled with Happiness. For you were someone special, to each and every one of us. There was much pain & sorrow, when it was time let you go. This special message Is sending up to Heaven above For Angel’s to take care of you. To give you all our Love
Dad, your jovial and fun-loving personality was appreciated by everyone who knew you. Your laugh was hearty and you always finished with a huge smile. You greatly enjoyed being with others and especially your loved ones. I admired your positive attitude as your glass was always half full regardless of the challenges you were facing. Your passion for music and sports were so evident as they defined your life rules of hard work, pride and perseverance. Your love and dedication for Mom especially during her years of illness were commendable. You would've done absolutely anything for her. We all have great comfort knowing that you are in God's hands and at Mom's side along with your parents, brothers and brothers-in-arms. You will be missed so very much. Love always, Karen
I liked Bob a lot. He was my neighbor since 2006 and I remember the fun we all had entertaining each other in our new homes. He and Barbara hosted one of the first parties on our street. He was a quiet gentle person. I stopped by recently to talk with him and his eyes lit up on having a visitor as he was so lonely. What a tragic ending to his life. I will always think of you, Bob, with great fondness.