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Kenneth LeRoy Chrisman, retired Air Force major

November 6, 2017

Kenneth LeRoy Chrisman, 81, of Ocean View, formerly of Silver Spring, Md., passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at his home.

Ken was born in Holton, Kan., April 8, 1936, son of the late Clair "Pat" Deardorf Chrisman and the late Helen (Morford) Chrisman. Mr. Chrisman proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force doing three tours in Vietnam flying the C-7 Caribou and the B-52. He retired from the Air Force in 1979 with the rank of major.

After his retirement, he worked as an instructional engineer and retired in 1996 from Raytheon. Ken was a member of Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View, the Caribou Association and attended Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View. He was an avid reader, enjoyed collecting artwork, and spending time in his garden.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Ann Chrisman. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Venita M. (Liotti) Chrisman; five children, Deb Richardson and her partner Jan Pieterse of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kim Stokes and her husband Keith of Anderson, S.C., Kevin Chrisman of Manassas, Va., Kelly Chrisman and his wife Reneè of Winchester, Va., and Chris Bradshaw and her partner James Adamson of Columbia, Md.; a brother, Larry Chrisman and his wife Susan of Bossier City, La.; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, at Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View. Interment with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ken's name to The Hope Center Building Fund, c/o Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970, or Compassionate Care Hospice, 20165 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

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