Mr. Ralph L. "Chis" Chism, Jr.

Mr. Ralph L. “Chis” Chism, Jr., 84, of Knoxville, Illinois died 1:08 p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville. 

He was born January 7, 1937 in Galesburg, Illinois to Ralph Lee and Mary Louise (Peterson) Chism, Sr.  He married Virginia K. “Ginger” Howerter, August 5, 1956 in Knoxville. 

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Ginger, two daughters, Cindy (and Dave) Olson of Galesburg and Cheryl (and Daryl) Weir of Knoxville, a sister, Beth Wright of Galesburg, four granddaughters, Lisa (and Beau) Deppermann, Lindsay (and Blake) Benedict, Jenna (and Tim) Meister, and Emily (and Michael) Varner, and six great grandchildren, Mason, Haydon, Vail, Jackson, Jace and Joslyn.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

“Chis” graduated from Knoxville High School in 1955.  He worked for OMC, Gale Products Division in Galesburg.  He later owned and operated with his family, Peterson-Chism Trucking Company in Knoxville.  He then worked for Dr. Fleisher on his farm and later was a truck driver for Midland Coal Mine.  He then worked for ADM in Galesburg for several years before retiring in 1999.  He was a member of the Knoxville United Methodist Church and served on the church board.  Chis loved sports, and coached several little league teams in Knoxville.  He and a few other Knoxville sport enthusiast, started the Knoxville Booster Club. 

Cremation will be accorded.  Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville.  Pastor Dave Mustain will officiate.  Memorials may be made to the Knoxville United Methodist Church or to the Knoxville Athletic Department.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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