Robert L. Crist
"Flag"
Hammond

Robert L. Crist, age 89, entered the gates of Heaven on Sunday, October 21, 2012 to join his beloved wife and high school sweetheart of 66 years, Margaret. He was born on May 16, 1923 in West Hammond, IL. Robert has been a lifetime resident of Hammond and a graduate of Hammond High School, class of 1942. January of 1943 he entered the Army Air Corps, and married Margaret on March 19th. During WWII he was stationed in England with the 91st Bomb Group, where he flew 30 missions over Germany in a B-17, the "Red Alert". Afterward, he returned home to work with his father and brother at Crist Painting and Decorating, later to become a painting contractor for over 60 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Viola Crist; sister, Frances Cone and brother, Charles, Jr.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sharon Halas of Hammond and Susan Olson of Sarasota, FL;
3 grandchildren: Annette (Kevin) Gates of Griffith, Christopher (Dana) Roark of Hessville and Bonnie Olson of Sarasota, FL;
5 great grandchildren: Amanda, Ashleigh, Justin, Sarah and Kirsten;
1 sister, Phyllis Barbee of Pinellas Park, FL; several nieces and nephews.
Robert was involved with many organizations throughout his life: Painters Union Local #460,  I.O.O.F. District #1, past Noble Grand, McKinley Lodge #712 F. & A.M., whose members will hold a service Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.  32nd Degree Member of Scottish Rite South Bend Consistory, member of Orak Shrine,  American Legion Post #232, whose members will conduct a service on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., past president of Hessville Lions club, and assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #207. In august of 2010 he experienced one of the best days of his life; he travelled to Washington, D.C. with the Honor Flight Chicago. Robert was a die-hard Cubs fan, win or lose, for over 80 years. He enjoyed golfing and bowling , and was a member of three different bowling leagues. He loved to help others as well as his family whenever possible. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Bocken Funeral Home, 7042 Kennedy Avenue, Hammond (Hessville) with Chaplain Sylvia Komyatte officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Margaret at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Wednesday, October 24th from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Bocken Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to Honor Flight Chicago at www.honorflightchicago.org.
For more information you may call Bocken Funeral Home at (219) 844-1600, or visit us at: wwwbockenfunerals.com.

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