Lester “Les” L. Chrisman died Sunday, September 9, 2018. When he passed, he was surrounded by his family, which he dearly loved. Les was born October 6, 1928 to Arch R. and Irma B. Chrisman at Big Lick, MO. Lester was married to Dorothy Frederick Chrisman on January 8, 1954. When Les talked about his wife, he always smiled and said they were married 64 years. She survives in their home. Dorothy and Les created a beautiful life together filled with family and friends.
Following his retirement from Toastmaster, many people in Boonville recognized Les as the greeter at Thacher-Wood Funeral Homes. He was a comforting, familiar face that greeted mourners with respect and a smile. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh when there were jokes to be shared. His storytelling will be missed and his incredible ability to remember details about life. Les loved gardening; particular pride in his tomatoes, iris and sunflowers; woodworking and service at his church, United Church of Christ, Boonville, MO. He greatest love was his family. He was adored by his granddaughters. He quickly endeared the staff at Cooper County Hospital and Hometown Homecare Hospice. He would want to thank each one individually. Since he cannot, the family wishes to thank them for their compassionate care and love they shared with him.
Lester was a father and a friend to his three surviving children; Brenda Chrisman Humphrey(David) Wauwatosa, WI; Nancy Chrisman O’Day(Timothy) St. Louis, MO; and Kevin Chrisman, Boonville, MO. Les loved his granddaughters beyond measure.
He is survived by Sarah Humphrey(Kielen King), Vancouver, WA; Caitlin O’Day, St. Louis Park, MN; Maggie Humphrey Becker(Kyle), St. Louis, MO; and Megan O’Day, Boonville, MO. In August, Les met his great granddaughter, Simeign Kaya King.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings; Arch L. Chrisman, Alvin Chrisman, William D. Chrisman, Edgar Chrisman, Raymond Chrisman, and his beloved sister, Genevieve Chrisman French. In addition, his stepmother, Louise Piatt, and stepsiblings, Boyd Piatt and Kathryn Piatt Marr.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Boonville United Church of Christ, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Alzheimer’s Association.
Visitation and service will be held at William Wood Funeral Home, 517 Fourth St, Boonville, MO. Visitation, Thursday, September 13, 2018, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Service, Friday, September 14, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Burial following at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
