Rodney Earnest Chrisp, age 89, formerly of Brady, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Linden Court in North Platte.
Rodney was born November 18, 1928, to Elmer and Ernestine (Persons) Chrisp at Mason City, NE. The family later moved to Gothenburg where Elmer was a telephone manager. Rod’s parents separated so he, his brother, Max, and their mother moved to her hometown of Central City, NE. From there Rod and Max went to live with their grandparents, Bina and William Chrisp, on a ranch near Broken Bow, NE. The boys later moved to Paxton where their father owned the telephone company and they lived with Elmer and his wife, Eve, and their step siblings, Gary, Carol and Gayle. While in school Rod worked for his father operating the switchboard, repairing lines and doing other jobs at the telephone company.
Rod graduated from Paxton High School in 1946 then joined the U.S. Army in September. He served a year and a half in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1948. After his discharge he returned to Paxton and married Donna McConnell and had a son, Michael “Micki”, then divorced a short time later.
Rod worked for his dad in Paxton and managed the Hershey Telephone Company. In July 1953, Rod purchased the Brady and Maxwell Telephone Company. Rod expanded the business by purchasing the Eustis Telephone Exchange in 1977. He later expanded the company’s services by adding cable TV and Internet service when it became available.
On November 10, 1953, Rod married Jo Ann Linneman and they made their home in Brady. To this union two daughters, Debra Jo and Jodie Lynn, were born. Rod was active in the Brady community, serving on the school board and town board. Rod and Jo also had a cabin at Jeffrey Lake where they enjoyed boating and skiing. They coached girls’ softball (Jo was the pitcher) and liked playing cards and golfing with friends. Rod also enjoyed walking, exercise, and was a Husker fan.
Over the years, Rod and Jo Ann vacationed in Torrance, CA, and by January 1, 2001, Rod sold the business and they moved to California. They lived in Torrance then Rancho Mirage and later to Indian Wells. After 60 years of marriage, Rod lost his wife to cancer and returned to Nebraska in July 2014.
He is survived by his daughters, Debra Chrisp, of Brady and Jodie Schleder, of Frisco, TX; son, Micki (Deb) Welton, of Maxwell; grandchildren, Rebecca (Dana) Dishman, Shane (Sabrina) Bryant, Ryan Schleder, Brandon Schleder, Tammi Welton, Cassi (Brian) Brewer, Traci Picotte and Marci (Tony) Jackson; many great-grandchildren; half sisters, Carol Stewart and Gayle Anthony; as well as other family.
Along with his wife, Jo Ann, Rod was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Elmer and Eve Chrisp; his mother and stepfather, Ernestine and Clarence Arnold; brother, Max Chrisp; and half brother, Gary Chrisp.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Great Plains Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.