Charles "Red" C. Chrisman, III

Charles “Red” C. Chrisman, III, 73, went to work at the big garage in the sky early Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026 at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York.

He was born on August 11, 1952 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Charles and Dorothy (Rumrill) Chrisman, Jr. Charles was educated at Stratford Central School.

On May 11, 1975, Charles was united in marriage to Bonnie L. Sheppard in Dolgeville, New York. The couple shared a union of over 50 years and raised their four children in a fun and loving home.

Red was a jack of all trades and worked in just about every industry in the area throughout his life. He was mostly known as the master craftsman of his own business called L & R Salvage located in Stratford, New York for over 15 years. He was a skilled mechanic and could fix anything that was broken.

In his spare time, Red enjoyed car shows, working on cars and going to demolition derbies. He had a great sense of humor and a need for doing everything he did at full speed. He loved telling his kids and grandkids a few bull-honky stories while creating some of the best memories of their time together. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Red will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie L. Chrisman at home; his children, Corey Chrisman (Meg and her daughter, Madison) of Little Falls, NY, Becky Begley and her husband, Dennis of Ilion, NY, Ryan Chrisman of Herkimer, NY and Steven Chrisman (Dawn) of Johnstown , NY; grandchildren, Ethan Chrisman, Amber Chrisman and their mother, Mindy, Tyler Chrisman, Rileigh Chrisman and their mother, Staci, Jordan Chrisman, Lilah Chrisman and their mother, Alyssa, Ashton Chrisman and his mother, Amanda, Lauralynn Begley and Julianna Begley; siblings, Ted Chrisman (Janet) of Mohawk, NY, Judy Chrisman of Little Falls, NY, Calvin Chrisman (Penny) of Salisbury, NY, Terry Chrisman (Michelle) of Newport, NY; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert Sheppard and Michael Sheppard, both of Dolgeville, NY, Edward and Carolyn Sheppard of FL and Kathy Chrisman of Salisbury, NY; a special nephew, Clifford “Stinker” Chrisman (Bonnie), who he loved as a son, of Salisbury, NY; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Red was predeceased by his parents, Charles “Bud” and Dorothy “Dort” Chrisman; an infant brother, Ricky Chrisman; brothers, Clifford Chrisman and Christopher Chrisman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Pat Sheppard, sisters-in-law, Anita “Annie” McIntosh and her husband, Jim, Karen Cool and Ann Sheppard; a favorite, Uncle Walt Rumrill; and his beloved pets, George, Pugsley, Chloe, Tom and Miss Kitty.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 5 p.m. also at the funeral home. A spring graveside service will be held at Dolgeville Cemetery and a Celebration of Life Reception will follow.

Red’s kids would like to take a moment to thank their mother, Bonnie, for taking such great care of Dad these past couple of years. The hard work of a 24/7 caregiver did not go unnoticed. Dad was also thankful for her even though he was grumbly some days.

The Chrisman family would like to thank the volunteers of the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department for all their help and assistance throughout the last couple of year and their care for Red and the family.

Please consider memorial contribution for the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department, 119 County Route 104, Stratford, New York 13470. Please note in the memo, “In Memory of Charles C. Chrisman, III” in the check memo and leave your address in order for the memorial to be properly acknowledged.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Chrisman Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memory book.

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