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John Arthur Chrisman, 70, of West Terre Haute, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on July 4, 2026.
John was born on August 7, 1955, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Muriel Ginger Ellingsworth Chrisman and Arthur Raymond Chrisman. He was the fifth of seven children.
John dedicated 29 years of service to Weston Paper. At the age of 55, he earned his Associate's Degree from Ivy Tech in Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, proving it is never too late to pursue a new goal. He later joined Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where he met the love of his life, Dana.
John lived a full and meaningful life, always putting others before himself. "I don't need anything" were words often heard from him. A true jack-of-all-trades, there was little he couldn't fix. Whether it was changing brakes, performing an oil change, or replacing an engine, he could get the job done. Many of those projects became even more meaningful with his son, Ryan, by his side, as they worked together and shared countless hours in the garage. John especially enjoyed the benefits of his sons' and grandsons' passion for fishing and hunting and always looked forward to enjoying the fruits of their efforts.
He had a special love for his Harley-Davidson and enjoyed nothing more than taking a ride simply for the joy of the open road. Above all, John will be remembered for his willingness to help however he could and for his love of aggravating those closest to him just to make them smile.
John and his wife, Dana, shared 10 wonderful years of marriage filled with companionship, laughter, and new adventures. Together they blended their families, creating a larger circle of children, grandchildren, and loved ones whom John cherished deeply. He considered himself truly blessed to have not one, but two families who loved him and whom he loved. He took great pride in the relationships he built with each of them.
John cherished the bonds and relationships he shared with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was immensely proud of each of them and loved sharing stories about their lives, accomplishments, and adventures with anyone who would listen.
He is survived by his wife, Dana Petersen Chrisman; daughter, Brittany Chrisman (Larry Russell); daughter, Gina Furrey Buhse (Tyler Buhse); son, Shelby Furrey (Danielle King Furrey); grandchildren, Brycen Russell, Madison Russell, Lyric Cheeks, James Chrisman, Ivy Furrey, and Charlie Buhse; sisters, Margaret Chrisman Woods and Susan Chrisman Allen; brother, Robert Chrisman; and former wife and the mother of his children, Kim Furrer Chrisman Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Raymond Chrisman and Muriel Ginger Ellingsworth Chrisman; his son, John Ryan Chrisman; sisters, Mary Chrisman Haase and Ginger Chrisman Haase; and brother, Michael Chrisman.
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Wabash Valley for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to John during his final weeks. We are especially grateful to his nurses, Kelsey, Brittany, and Stephanie, whose dedication and unwavering support brought comfort not only to John but also to our entire family. Thank you for treating John with dignity, respect, and genuine compassion. Your kindness and support brought peace and comfort during an incredibly difficult time, and we will always be grateful for the difference you made in his life.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 12pm to 2 pm. in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home on Sunday July 12, 2026. Funeral service will begin at 2 pm in accordance with his wishes, John will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, John kindly requested that memorial contributions be made to a cancer foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the charitable organization of your choice.
Fitzpatrick Funeral Home
Fitzpatrick Funeral Home
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