Robert Chrisman

Robert H. “Bob” or “Chris” Chrisman, 88, passed away peacefully on Oct. 26 at Emeritus at Lake Ridge in Woodbridge, Va. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Dorothy Hucker and by his second wife Helen Finley Chrisman. Bob and Dorothy are survived by their son Michael of Manassas, Va. and their daughter Becki Fogle of Cheyenne, Wyo. Bob is also survived by two sisters Dean Lentz of Charlotte, N.C. and Sue Maxwell of Northport, Ala., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was born Aug. 26, 1923 to Roy and Idaree Chrisman of Centralia, Mo. He worked for several years at the A.P. Green Firebrick Company in Mexico, Mo. and served honorably in the United States Marine Corps in World War II. In 1952, Bob moved to Los Alamos where he worked as a machinist for the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 40 years.  He also spent several years working with Dr. George Grover at Q—dot Corporation developing heat transfer systems.
In Los Alamos, Bob and Dorothy enjoyed a close circle of friends with whom they traveled, went camping, shared holidays, square danced, played bridge and helped raise each other’s children.
In retirement, Bob moved to Green Valley, Ariz. to join a contingent of his Los Alamos friends. He enjoyed many years and countless games of Liverpool rummy in Arizona, where he met and married Helen.
They both loved to travel and they enjoyed a number of adventures together including Alaskan cruises and tours in Europe and Central America.  When not traveling, Bob volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Society, providing transportation for Green Valley residents with doctor’s appointments in Tucson.
Bob’s family was his greatest joy and he always cared for others before himself. He was devoted to his parents, siblings and children and took amazing care of his wife Dorothy, throughout her long illness.
Later, as Helen deteriorated with Alzheimer’s Disease, Bob again found himself in the role of caregiver, a role he carried out with love and patience.
In 2008, Bob moved to the First Colonial Inn retirement community in Virginia Beach, Va. to be closer to family. His soft—spoken, self—effacing ways and his wry humor won him friends everywhere he lived and in Virginia Beach, he found good friends to walk, talk and laugh with, especially on their weekly trips to the beach. He was known by all to be a true gentleman.
Again interested in remaining close to family, Bob relocated to Emeritus at Lake Ridge this past summer.  His health began to fail during the summer, but even during his decline, Bob kept his great sense of humor.  He was truly a member of “The Greatest Generation” and is dearly missed.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Mountcastle Life Celebration Home located at 4143 Dale Boulevard, Dale City, Va.
 A reception will follow at the home of Mike and Roxanne Chrisman.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.