David Lindell Crismon

David Lindell Crismon of Branson, Missouri.

David Lindell Crismon of Branson, Missouri passed away on July 30, 2024 at the age of 92. He lived a life full of laughter, joy, and love with family and many, many friends.

He was born into a hardworking farm family in Texas County, MO to Togo and Lavada Crismon. Growing up on the farm gave him many opportunities for outdoor activities and he developed a a life-long joy in hunting and fishing, in addition to collecting Indian artifacts.

One room schools provided his education until he entered high school in Plato, MO where he played basketball and was elected student body president. He graduated at 16 years old and went on to attend college. He walked 10 miles/day delivering newspapers for 2 years and then became an X-ray technician to pay for his education.

Tragedy struck his family when he was 18. His father died at 46 years old from a sudden heart attack. He was grieved to have lost him so young, but over time this resulted in a deeply caring spirit. He worked to be a good example for others and to especially help those that might not have a father in their life.

After graduating with a BS in Business Administration from Southwest Missouri State, he worked and excelled at corporate jobs working for GE X-Ray Company and then Roche Pharmaceutical Co. winning recognition and awards. However, he had a true entrepreneurial spirit and at the ripe old age of 44, he “retired” and began his own business. He worked as a general contractor in Branson while building his apartment and housing rental business. He ran his successful rental business until he was 91.

His strong commitment to his Christian faith started as a teen after he accepted Jesus as his Savior. He insisted on being baptized in the spring-fed Roubidoux creek in typically cold Missouri weather. He continued strong support of his faith and church throughout his life and has attended and served at First Baptist Church in Branson for many, many years. Here, he served as chairman of the building and construction committee when they moved to the present location and also when adding the first educational wing. He and wife, Sharon, also taught adult classes for 24 years.  His optimism, humor, and faith made him a friend to many people who will sorely miss him.

He was predeceased by an infant brother and recently, his sister Ruth Ross. He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Sharon Rogers Crismon; two children, Cynthia Philipp (husband Bruce) and Lynn Crismon; grandchildren Mark and Scott Philipp, Destinee Grace Bippert (husband Josh), and David Logan Crismon; 2 great-grandchildren, Adalynn and Archer Bippert; and his sister, MaryEtta (Perky) Mitchell.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Branson on Saturday, August 3 at 9:30 AM followed at 11:00 AM by a celebration of life. Flowers will be much appreciated or a donation payable to the David and Sharon Crismon Charitable Fund. Mail donations to: Community Foundation of the Ozarks, PO Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801 or donations can be made online at cfozarks.org/donate.