Kenneth Eugene Chrisman

February 1, 1940 ~ September 23, 2024

Kenneth E. Chrisman, 84, of Elkhart, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 23, 2024, at his home.

Ken was born on February 1, 1940, in Goshen, IN to the late, John S. Chrisman and Clara B. (Drake) Chrisman. Ken married the love of his life, Vickie (Hine) Chrisman at Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, where he was a member, on June 10, 1967.

Ken is predeceased by his brother, David Chrisman.

Ken is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vickie Chrisman of Elkhart; daughter, Sonya (Isaias) Martinez of Josephine, TX; son Allyn (Nicole) Chrisman of Brier, WA; grandson, Isaias Luke Martinez (Georgia Stanich) of Raleigh, NC; brother, Ray (Nancy) Chrisman of Midland, MI; sister, Carole (Chuck) Brush of Downingtown, PA; beloved dogs, Ginger and Gigi and his scout troop family and the many friends he made along the way.

Ken honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a long-time scout master at Troop Number 119 in South Bend, IN. Ken earned his business degree with Ivy Tech. He was involved with the Kiwanis in Michigan and the planning commission in Sturgis, MI and Marquette, MI where he understood and valued bringing new businesses and healthy growth to communities.

Ken, with his wife Vickie, were co-owners of the Chrisman Burger Dairy grocery stores in Sturgis and Three Rivers, MI for nearly two decades. Prior to being a store owner, he was a supermarket manager for 20 years. He retired from the grocery business in 2001.

He was an usher for the Notre Dame home football games and NASCAR races at the Michigan Speedway. In his spare time, he enjoyed a good game of golf and tinkering with his model trains in his basement.

Ken enjoyed going to the casino and playing Euchre with his brother-in-law, Fred and sister-in-law, Sharon. He was a huge fan of Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs and Elvis.

Despite his many achievements and accomplishments, his family always came first. He was a happy man with a gentle smile and knew no strangers. Ken would give the shirt off his own back.

Ken’s motto that he lived by was, “make it work.” He instilled in his children and Boy Scout Troop the value of hard work and overcoming challenges.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Per the family’s request, Ken will be cremated. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the entire staff of The Center for Hospice Care for their support during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Center for Hospice Care, https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/ 

For those that wish to send a condolence or share a memory may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

02/27/2025 djb

https://www.billingsfuneralhome.com/obituary/Kenneth-Chrisman