Bert Chrisman, 78, of Waco, passed away Friday, July 4, 2008 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be 10am Tuesday, July 8th at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Military honors will be observed. Visitation will be 6 to 8pm Monday, July 7th at Lake Shore Funeral Shore Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco. A Video Life Tribute will be shown at the visitation and service. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Albert E. Chrisman was born July 18, 1929 in Noel, Missouri to Ed C. and Anna (Stiles) Chrisman. He served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves and retired as Full Colonel after thirty-two years of service. He married Mary Brown on November 27, 1948 in Neosho, Missouri. He served as Assistant Superintendent at Connally I.S.D. for thirty years, retiring in 1995. He was an active member of Highland Baptist Church serving on several committees as well as an usher. He was a licensed minister and an ordained deacon at Lakeview Baptist Church for many years. He also served as Director for Wings For Christ for a number of years and received his pilot’s license at the age of 60.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Don Chrisman.
Survivors include wife of 59 years, Mary Chrisman of Waco; sons, David Chrisman and wife, Cheryl of Ft. Worth, Jerry Chrisman and wife, Susan of Piedmont, OK, and Andy Chrisman and wife, Jackie of Tulsa, OK; seven grandchildren, Daniel, Anna and husband James, Elizabeth, Joseph, Christina, Lucas, and Kayleigh; two great grandchildren, Jimmy and Joey; sister, Louise Sherwood and husband, Jerry; brother, Charles Chrisman and wife, Barbara; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Wings For Christ or Chihuahuan Ministries.
Bert was passionate in helping others succeed. He touched many lives and was loved by many.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Jerry and family,
The loss of a parent is a terrible thing even though, as believers, we know it is just for a little while. Please know that you are in my prayers as well as those of my family and the MPI family. May the Lord’s servant, Bert, be honored in the going away celebration you have planned for him tomorrow.
Love in Jesus
Although we did not know Mr. Chrisman, we are friends of his son Andy. We wanted to let you know we are praying for your family during this time and are very sorrow for your loss.
We were sorry to learn of Berts passing. It has been many years since I saw you all. I am the granddaughter of Mary Edith (Chrisman) Johnson, she was a sister to Ed. My mother is June Hope (sister to most). We are thinking of you at this time.
Our prayer are with you all.
Bob & Alesia Parish
June Hope (Johnson) Sherman
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. What a wonderful witness your loved one has left behind! He is rejoicing in Heaven today.
Dear Mrs. Chrisman, David, Jerry & Andy,
My dad sent me the newspaper memorial which I received the other day…I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I guess the one thing I remember most about Mr. Chrisman was pitching baseballs and throwing the football to the boys in the back yard. I always enjoyed watching ya’ll play. May you be comforted during this time by the words and actions of family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
ps..Andy, it was nice to see you (years ago)
when you performed at Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville.
I do not know Bert but from what I hear from Andy. He was a great dad. I heard him on Father’s day 2008 talking with Andy on the radio during Andy’s Sunday Morning Worship show. He has rasied three great christian sons. Finally, I attend Andy’s church in Tulsa.
I briefly met Albert last year over the phone as his son, Andy, and I "interviewed" him for a Father’s Day edition of Andy’s radio show. I was moved by the love he had for his family, his fatherly anecdotes, and his ability to recite great pieces of Scripture.
I know he will be missed. Many blessings and prayers for the entire Chrisman family.
Mr. Chrisman was a person that the first time you met him you felt like you had known him all of your life. A diehard Cardinals fan, like myself. I hope he is having a great time visiting with the "Gashouse Gang".
A good man who touched our lives in such a special way!
Knowing Bert, Mary and their sons during our journey through time has meant so very much.Good men such as Bert Chrisman are badly needed in our world today.
He will be missed!
Dear Mary,
Your Husband was such an encouragement and support to me. There is a soft, peaceful, stable place in my heart as a result of Albert’s influence.
I’m thankful to have known him.
Much Love, Don
Ms. Mary, David, Jerry, & Andy,
Your husband and dad is remembered fondly today as an encourager and a friend. Bert always seemed interested in what God was doing in my life and made me think he was proud of me like one of his own sons. He was a man of God who influenced many young lives. As a dad, a coach, an administrator, and a churchman he helped boys to become men. Every time I heard the song that Andy sang with 4Him entitled A Man You Would Write About I would think of Bert Chrisman. He was that kind of a man. He may not be written about in any works in the Library of Congress but his signature is written on the lives of many of the the young men with whom I grew up in Waco, Texas, most especially his three sons who I am grateful to have had as freinds through all these years. His influence for the Lord is recorded in heaven where Bert is now enjoying his eternal reward. Please know of my love and prayers for all of you and the rest of your family as you walk through this difficult time in your lives.
Because He Lives,
Preston Nix
I just wanted to send my condolences. I remember Bert from when I was a child and we would go to Uncle Ed and Anna’s house for big family get-to-gethers. I wish I had had a chance to know him better.
My thoughts and prayers are with you;
Sincerely,
Elsie Davis
We will certainly miss his smiling face on Sunday morning but celebrate with you that he’s in a much better place. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Chrisman Family,
I was saddened for you upon hearing that Bert had gone home. All of you are a great part of my childhood memories both at Lakeview and later when you shared your grandparents home in Noel.
I remember Jerry and I fishing at Lake Waco. Bert stopped shortly after picking us up and made us get out and ride in the back. "Stick Bait" was not his favorite flavor.
I remember him and my dad coaching Jerry and I in little league. He was so patient and encouraging.
I will always remember him working with us in "Training Union". We would do sword drills, and scripture memory. The main thing I remember is that Bert loved the Lord and us.
Thank all of you for sharing Bert with us boys growing up in Lakeview years ago.
In His Service,
Ernie McCoulskey
Director of Missions, Kauf-Van Baptist Association
To the Chrisman family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of one who truly exemplified the term, "Christian gentleman." I was always so impressed with him during my years at Connally. Later, I enjoyed seeing him at church and his friendliness and good will never failed to lift my spirits. His love for God and for his family was so evident. I know that he is rejoicing in his reward, and will be waiting to welcome the rest of us home.
Dear Mary, David, Jerry, Andy, and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We very fondly remember the Chrisman family at Connally ISD.
Sincerely,
Faye Wingate (Northcrest and Lakeview Elem. teacher)
Jeanne Wingate CHS 1964
Bettye Wingate CHS 1967
We are praying for each of you. Thanks for showing the love of Christ.
Helen
Dear Mrs. Chrisman and Family, Mr Chrisman will be greatly missed, he will be remembered by all who had the privilage of knowing him. He was a kind, good man, always ready to help anyone in need. My prayers are with you and I share your sorrow. God bless and comfort you in the days ahead. Love, Jamie
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Chrisman. I grew up across the road from the Chrismans, and remember their gentle spirits, kindness, and hospitality. They opened their home for youth group functions and were involved in our church. I will be praying for comfort for his whole family.
Mary and family,
What a treasure this world has lost. Albert touched so many lives. He sure brought sunshine to us. We love you and you are in our prayers.
To the Chrisman family,
Let God’s everlasting love and peace embrace you at this time. I pray for peace and comfort for you all. –Keri (Burton) Jones–(I attended CHS with Andy)
Keri (Burton) Jones (Lorena, TX)
The Chrisman family has made an indelible mark on my life and continues to be.
Albert will always have a special place in my heart.
In the famous words of Albert Chrisman “Why we still holdin’ hands?”
Dear Mrs.Chrisman- I am so sorry about Mr. Chrisman. He was such a gentle man and a great role model. We love you and your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Mary and family,
Mr Chrisman touched our family’s life greatly and we share in your sorrow. I thank our Lord for giving us the opportunity to know him and he will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven is rejoicing it’s newest angel.
Albert was very much a father figure to me during the 16 years I knew him. He was such a Godly man who had so many characteristics that I looked up to him for. He loved helping other people, whether it was somebody who had reached rock bottom, or somebody already successful. I loved to hear him pray when we were together because he always to so humble and sincere. He had many accomplishments but never wanted the attention and always would deflect credit to others. He was honest, generous, patient, a man of highest integrity, encouraging, wise, humble, slow to anger, above reproach, and many, many other things we should all be. I will miss him very much.
I met Mr. Chrisman in 1994 and I have memories of all of the short visits we shared over the years. I feel as if I have known him much of my life. This is also true of his wonderful legacy, son Andy. Andy changed and effected my life in so many positive ways. When Andy spoke of his Dad, I could always imagine the gentle man of God I knew with the smile that NEVER left his face that I saw. My heart breaks for your family loss. Heaven is a brighter place today. We love you and our thoughts & prayers have been constantly with you.
"Bert" was a friend,mentor,buddy,father-figure,student,pilot,administrator,mans man,giver,sower,investor,soul winner,prayer warrior,mechanic,problem solver,electrician,plumber,architect,aesthetician,muscician,vocalist,song leader,all around jack of all trades,confidant and a man that I want to be like.
Dear friends – I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father. I always remember Bert as a loving and well-loved man. His influence at school and at church was always beneficial and far reaching.
I hope that your hearts, although heavy with sadness now, will be filled with the love and fondness that so many people feel for all of you.
Hugs to all,
Myrna
The testimony of Colonel Chrisman continues to speak on his behalf in the lives of those whom he touched. His service to our country and to the Lord Jesus Christ is a testament of his honor and legacy.
We’re really sorry for your loss. We’ll be praying for you.
Love,
Phil and Marianne Chain
Dear Mary, Andy, Jerry and David,
We are so sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. Every time I hear the song "A Man You Would Write About," I would think about Bert.
Arazella and I got to see Andy when he was on his 4 Him reunion tour and we had a chance to talk about our families.
Our prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
It is very difficult to lose the ones we love. My heart and prayers go out to the Chrisman family.
Sincerely,
Sandra Nors
I went to CHS with Andy
Dear Mrs. Chrisman and boys,
My heart is heavy for you today. After the loss of both dad and mom toward the end of last year, I know the pain of losing someone as special as Mr. Chrisman. My memory of our church life at Lakeview Baptist is full of your family. From Claudia Davis and David in the cribs next to me in the nursery to Jerry in the youth group and Andy twirling his mom’s hair as he lay in her lap during the service…but the most endearing memories are the ones of Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman. Their love for each other and their Christian spirit were contagious. They shared all they were and all they had with others. Your dad, like mine, was such an example to all around him. He will never be forgotten because he left such an impression on everyone he touched. I pray your hearts are eased by the knowledge of his great faith and by the loving hand of our sweet Lord.
Jerry & family,
You all will be in my prayers during this time. May God comfort you as only He can.
Shelley
Dear Andy & Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your father will always be remembered as an inspiration to us all. Lots of wonderful memories I have of us growing up & our days at Connally. With Deepest Sympathy from our family to yours.
Love Always,
Terri
Mr. Chrisman was a wonderful gentleman that went out of his way on many occasions to help my Mom. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Chrisman family at this difficult time.