William John Chrismer of Brush, Colorado passed away on May 19, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Billy was born on April 19, 1931 to Della M. (Naab) and Wilber J. Chrismer in Yuma, Colorado. He graduated from Yuma High School and farmed with his father for a short time before entering the United States Army on Jan. 15, 1951. He served for 3 years and was honorably discharged on Jan. 14, 1954. He served as Sergeant and Squad Leader with the 33rd Infantry with the Land Mine Warfare Division.

While serving in Panama he met and married Carmen E.Castrellon from Panama City, Panama. After being discharged from the service the couple moved back to the U.S. and resided in Yuma, CO where Billy farmed and ranched with his dad on the family farm.  Billy and Carmen welcomed 4 daughters into the family - Celeste, Cindy, Cathy and Linda.  He always said he lived under the rule of the "petticoat junction".

Billy enjoyed calf roping and competing in rodeos, making friends along the way.  He was a cowboy, saddle maker, golfer, and even an inventor among other activities. He taught himself how to play the guitar and sing, all tempered with a very good sense of humor.

When Billy started into woodworking, he built cabinets and then progressed into building homes. Many of the homes he built were in the Brush area. When the family counted the houses we came up with more than 40.

After retiring from his construction business, Billy became golf course superintendent at Bunker Hill in Brush for a period of time, then later at Fitzsimons Golf Course in Aurora.  Upon retiring from Fitzsimons, Billy and Carmen returned to Brush and have been residing here ever since.  Billy and Carmen were married for 63 wonderful years.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Carmen; daughters Celeste (John) Denker of Arvada, Cindy (Alan) Harryman of Merino, Cathy (Randy) Graf of Green Valley, AZ, and Linda (Skip) Coffey of Grand Lake; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren,  and sister Jean Crowley of Bartlesville OK. He  was preceded in death by his parents Della M. and Wilber J. Chrismer, and sister Jane Hale. Billy enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great children.

Graveside and Military Rites will be held at the Interment Chapel at the Brush Memorial Cemetery on July 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM.  A Celebration of Life and reception will follow the service at the Jaycee Building. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to East Morgan County Hospital.