Richard Alan Chrisman

Danville - Richard Alan Chrisman, 85, of Danville, IL formerly of Bloomington, IL passed away at 11:30 pm on January 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Richard was born on February 20, 1931 in Bismarck, IL the son of Merle and Dorothy (Boggess) Chrisman. He married Anna Marie Schlorff on July 1, 1951 in Danville, IL, and she survives. Other survivors include his daughter Nancy (Lon) Henderson of Danville, 3 sons, Paul (Evie) Chrisman of Suwanee, GA, Greg (Deborah) Chrisman of Jericho, VT, and Stephen (Amy) Chrisman of Danville, IL, seven grandchildren, Nathan Henderson of Danville, IL, Scott (fiance Kim) Chrisman of Los Angeles, CA, Daniel Chrisman of St Thomas USVI, Erick (fiance Erin) Henderson of Danville, IL, Nathanael Davis of Alpharetta, GA, Isaac Davis of Suwanee, GA, and Aidan Chrisman of Danville, IL, one great-grandchild, Gabriel Chrisman-Hawryluk of Los Angeles, CA, one brother-in-law, Daniel (Carolyn) Schlorff of Danville, IL and one sister-in-law, Ann Chrisman Parsons of Anderson, IN. Richard is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald Chrisman and Curtis Chrisman. Richard was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, Garrett Theological Seminary, and Northwestern University. He was a Minister for the United Methodist Church and served in Ludlow, Flannigan, Deselm, Ellsworth, Woodhull, Hanna City, Streator, Chrisman, and Mason City, IL. Richard served the Central Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church as Conference Secretary and Conference Historian for many years. Richard loved historical research and had several books and numerous articles published about Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and Methodist Church history. He also wrote poetry and did extensive research into his family genealogy. In his younger days, he was an avid photographer. He enjoyed reading nonfiction and was usually doing research with each read. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday January 20, 2017 at St James United Methodist Church located at 504 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL, with Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center assisting the family with arrangements. Pastors Justin Snider, Donald Jones, and Zach Lacrone will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday January 19, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL. Memorials may be made to the Preachers Aid Society and Benefit Fund, 5900 South 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62711. Please join Richard's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Jan 19, 2017 Thursday, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Celebration of Life Jan 20, 2017 Friday, 11:00 AM Saint James United Methodist Church 504 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832 Final Resting Place Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834