Robert Francis Chrismer

He was born on October 16, 1931 on a farm in Adams County Pennsylvania five miles east of Gettysburg. Robert’s parents were Albert E. Chrismer and Helen Spalding Chrismer. In 1937 he became stepson to Thomas B. Gebhart. Robert was the last surviving member of his immediate family that included older brothers Joseph Albert and James Roger Chrismer and step-siblings Bernard Gebhart, Roger Gebhart, Richard Gebhart, Ethel Neiderer, Helen Groft, Geraldine Miller, and Anna Prior.

Robert is survived by his three children Robert Chrismer II (Jiamin), Elizabeth Hitchcock (Kenneth), and David Chrismer (Michele) and his two grandchildren Patrick and Johnny. Robert was married for 62 years to Betty Jean Chrismer who passed away on May 30, 2019.

Robert held degrees from Penn State and North Carolina State Universities. While in college, he worked three summers for the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. He had fond memories of those adventurous times as a smokejumper and firefighter out West. Robert was then employed for 38 years in various quality engineering positions with Singer and Ryobi companies in Pickens, South Carolina before retiring in 1994. He was widely regarded as a mentor and father figure to his coworkers.

Robert led an active retirement in which he worked, volunteered, took care of others, and pursued varied hobbies such as woodworking, carpentry, gardening, cooking, reading, and history.

Robert and his wife Betty Jean were founding members of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens in 1965. He was an active parishioner there for the past 60 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #9576.

Those who knew Robert would describe him as a humble servant leader who was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need - family, church, coworkers, friends and strangers alike. Service above self characterized Robert’s life, and he tirelessly poured out his gifts and time for the benefit of others.

A visitation for Robert will be held Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, South Carolina 29671.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at 12:15 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 558 Hampton Ave, Pickens, South Carolina, with a committal service to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In remembrance of Robert’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Holy Cross Catholic Outreach at holycrossstluke.org/outreach or call (864) 878-0574. This outreach program provides food and financial assistance to Pickens County residents in need.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.