Harold Chrispen passed away peacefully at 87 ½ years old in the Carle
BroMenn Hospital in Normal, Illinois. Harold was born March 8, 1936, to
Manitia and George Richard Chrispen at their home in Birkbeck, Illinois.

Harold graduated from Wapella High School. In his youth Harold enjoyed
playing baseball, basketball and softball, and he was a very good
athlete. The St. Louis Cardinals were his favorite baseball team and he
watched them all the time. The Fighting Illini were his favorite college
team.

 

Harold married Mary Jo Williamson on June 27, 1958, in Kenney, Illinois.
Together they had four children, Cathi, Mike, Juli and Terry.  During
these early years, Mary Jo was able to persuade Harold to bowl with her
for a couple of years.

 

Harold worked at Wallace Press in Clinton, Illinois, while he also
farmed many different lands in the area. Harold taught his son Mike how
to drive a tractor at 8 years old to help him with the planting. On the
farm they also had chickens, sheep, hogs, and beef cattle.

 

In 1985, Harold and Mary Jo purchased a farm in rural Heyworth after
their house in Farmer City burned down. During the transition, they
briefly lived with their daughter Cathi (Chad) Pond in Clinton.

 

Harold was proceeded in death by his parents Manitia and George Richard
Chrispen, siblings Charolet, Charles, and Herman, wife Mary Jo, and
granddaughter Celeste Pond.

 

Harold is survived by his four children Cathi (Chad) Pond, Mike (Laura)
Chrispen, Juli Chrispen, and Terry Chrispen, six grandchildren Craig
(Amber) Pond, Corey Pond, Andrew (Ariel) Chrispen, Kara (Austin) Kimler,
Patty Jo Thompson, and Kaitlyn Thompson, and one great grandson Rory
Pond.

 

Harold will be cremated, and a private burial will be held at a later
date.