Bill Junior Christison, age 90, of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 29, 2026. A lifelong resident of Chillicothe, Bill spent his life rooted in the community and on the farm that meant so much to him.
Bill was born on August 29, 1936, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to William Robert and Myrtle Irene (Haas) Christison. He proudly served in the Missouri National Guard for many years. On July 24, 1966, he married the love of his life, Dixie Lee Schwab, in Chillicothe. They shared 59 years together until her passing on January 9, 2026.
Farming wasn’t just Bill’s occupation; it was his way of life. As a self-employed farmer, he devoted his life to the land and the work he loved. He was passionate about preserving family farms and was a member of the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, an organization dedicated to helping family farmers. Bill was also a proud and devoted Democrat, a part of who he was and something he never shied away from.
Outside of farming, Bill enjoyed collecting antiques, antique machinery, and art glass. He had an appreciation for the history and character behind the things he collected. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Chillicothe and Tenth Street Baptist Church in Trenton.
Bill’s greatest legacy lives on through the family he loved. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Rebecca Lee Wisner and her husband, Mark, of Chillicothe, Missouri; two grandchildren, Dane Tyler Wisner and his wife, Jennifer, and Jayde Irene Wisner, all of Chillicothe; three great-grandchildren, Leo Wisner, Graham Wisner, and JoJo Hammond, all of Chillicothe; two sisters, Joan Kathleen Brune of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Martha Lee Weyh of Cotter, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Dixie; two sisters, Barbara Lewis and Leona Burgett; and three brothers, Robert “Bob” Christison, Chester Sterling Wilhite, and William Clifford Wilhite.
Bill will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to farming, his love of collecting, his strong convictions, and the life he built in the community he always called home. He leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory and the many years and memories they shared with him.
Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The visitor register will be available for signing on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Home Care and Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.