Max Chrisman

Max Chrisman, 92, of Johnson, and formerly of rural Blakesburg, died January 16, 2015, at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines.

Max was born July 10, 1922 in Avery, IA, to Bert and Ruth Carlton Chrisman. He married Christina Herteen on April 19, 1944. They lived in Ottumwa, then farmed in rural Blakesburg for 44 years.

Max attended school on Miller Ridge at Jake Oak and Punkin Center schools through 8th grade, then on to Blakesburg High. He worked alongside his father in the timber and also worked at the CCC camp in Oskaloosa as a teenager. He then worked as a coiler at G.E. in Chicago until he was drafted and served in the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946. He was a member of the 14th Air Force 21st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron. He served in China (over the hump), Burma and India area of war in the Pacific. He was a member of the China Air Task Force and the Flying Tigers of the former American Volunteer Group. He received two Bronze Stars and other medals and ribbons while serving his country. The ?Lost Medal? forty years later was presented to him by General Chennault?s widow at a reunion.

After returning from the war he worked at John Deere for 37 and a half years. In his retirement years, he enjoyed wood working, riding his 4-wheeler and tractors. He and Christina enjoyed traveling the world. He was proud to attend the Honor Flight of 2010.

Max was a member of Ottumwa Baptist Temple where he held many positions. He is survived by his wife; son; three daughters; eight grand children; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Patty (Pat) Walker, of Mt. Pleasant, and two nieces, Katrina and Alisha Walker, of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Earnest and Kenneth; son-in-law, Stephen King; brother-in-law, Bernie Walker; nephews, Curt Chrisman and Rick Walker; niece, Laura Collins; and Mt. Pleasant cousins, Opal Crawley Moore and Vi King; and cousin Dr. Kermit Crawley, of Unionville, IA.

Funeral services were Jan. 20th at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, with Rev. Randy Miller officiating. Burial was in Blakesburg Cemetery with military services conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post 33 American Legion. Casket Bearers were a grandson and grandson-in-laws.