Criswell, Bertha Maude (McDowell)

Mrs. Criswell

Hallettsville—Mrs. Bertha Criswell, 82, of Sheridan, died at noon Wednesday in the Eagle Lake Community Hospital.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville with the Rev. Bernard A??dge officiating.

Burial will follow in the Cheetham Cemetery.

Mrs. Criswell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sheridan. She was born Nov. 27, 1894.

Survivors include four sons, Howard and McDowell, both of Sheridan, Charlie of Houston and Harvey of San Antonio four daughters, Mrs. Ora Schirmer of San Antonio, Mrs. Elsie Oakley of Nashville, Tenn., Mrs. Mildred Eskine and Mrs. Margie McIntosh, both of Houston; two brothers, Wesley McDowell of Sheridan and Irving McDowell of Colorado; two sisters, Mrs. Veba Lutes of Sheridan and Mrs. Erma Ballinger of Kansas: 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff; her parents and a daughter.

The Victoria Advocate, July 29, 1977
Contributed by Regena Williamson

Criswell, Frank

Frank Criswell Is Laid To Rest

Last rites for Frank Criswell of Sheridan, who would have been 57 Nov. 30, were held at Sheridan Baptist church Friday with Rev. Durham officiating. Burial was in the Cheetham cemetery, with the Columbus Funeral home in charge.

Mr. Criswell died In a Hallettsville hospital last Wednesday after having been In ill health for about 2 years

He is survived by his widow, the former Ellen Rickman; a son Floyd of Sheridan and a daughter Mrs. Nina Merle Ermis of Cuero. Also surviving are a sister Mrs. Willie Parks of Sublime and 4 brother Will of Houston and R. L, Tom and Jeff, all of Sheridan. Pallbearers were Lloyd, Robert, Howard and Dowell Criswell and Bill and Ben Parks.

Colorado County Citizen, November 15, 1951, page 14
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Criswell, Henry Lee

SHERIDAN NEWS.

We are indeed very sorry to chronicle the death of the little Henry Lee Criswell, who died at 9;30 Friday night, August 30, at the Yoakum hospital, after being sick several weeks. A few months ago he was able to be around again. He suddenly took a relapse of pneumonia, which caused his death. He was nineteen months old and one of the sweetest babies ever see. Sad is the home for the bright little star who once furnished it with happiness and who has been called to the realm beyond where he now waits on that eternal shore for his loved ones, where they will never part. Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones. [Interment in Cheetham Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, September 13, 1918, page 8

Criswell, Howard J.

Criswell Buried at Sheridan

Funeral services for Howard J. Criswell, 64, of Sheridan were held Saturday, Nov. 12, from Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville, with burial in Cheetham Cemetery at Sheridan.

Criswell was born March 23, 1919, at Sheridan the second child of A. J. (Jeff) and Bertha Criswell. He attended the Sheridan schools and graduated from Columbus High School, where he was an outstanding athlete. He participated in the state track meet in 1935 and was a well known area baseball player.

Criswell, a businessman, rancher and cowboy, served in the Army during World War II, from 1941 through 1945. He married Evelyn Teach[sic] in 1946 in Weimar.

His wife survives, along with one daughter, Sandy Jones of Columbus; granddaughters Gea and Bradi Jones of Columbus; three brothers, Dowell Criswell of Sheridan, Charley Criswell of Houston, and Harvey Criswell of San Antonio; and four sisters, Ora Schirmer of Sheridan, Mildred Eskine, of Pearland, Margie McIntosh of Houston and Elsie Oakley of Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by a sister, Audrey Ward, and an infant son.

Serving as pallbearers were nephews James Criswell, Kenneth Bell, Paul Eskine, Fred (Sonny) Schirmer Jr., and Dowell and Carl Jones. Named honorary pallbearers were Charlie Haines, Vernon Haines, Jesse Taylor, Alvin Mikulenka, Alton Balusek, Isam Brisco Jr., Harry Brisco, Zane Brisco and Lavoe Brisco.

Weimar Mercury, November 17, 1983

Criswell, James Henry

Pioneer Citizen of Sheridan Passes Away.

Very early Saturday morning, Jan. 12.  James Henry Criswell died at home at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 27 days.  His remains were buried Sunday afternoon in the Old Cheatham cemetery, Rev. J.T. King officiating.  The deceased was born in Goodman, Attala County, Miss.  In his youth he served 11 months in the cavalry in the Confederate army, under Capt. Bufford and Gen. Ferguson.  On Jan. 12, 1873, ( just 59 years ago) he was married to Mary Jane Briscoe and this union was blessed by ten children.  He professed his faith in Christ many years ago and joined the Mr. Zion Baptist Church in 1921.  This membership he held till the end of his long life, filled with service to God, his country and his fellowmen.  He had lived at the late home site more than 50 years.  Surviving him are five sons: Tom, Frank, Jeff and Lee at Sublime and Will in Houston: one daughter, Mrs. W.P. Parks of Sublime: eighteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

The Lavaca County Tribune, January 15, 1935
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Criswell, John E.

Sheridan Column

John Criswell formerly of Sheridan, but now of Goose Creek was rushed to a hospital for removal of appendicitis one day of this week and his brother, Lee, and family of Sheridan are all in Houston.

On Wednesday we were surprised to hear that the body of Jno. Criswell had arrived for burial among his old friends here at Sheridan.  Bro. Keeling and wife, also Mr. and Mrs. Will Wirtz of Columbus came over to attend and conduct the services and we were very much pleased with the plain talk Bro. Keeling gave us.  Everyone here would be pleased to have him come over to our pavilion and give us some more, good, honest, plain talk.  We need if for we have no minister here and we are going to the dogs, if some one doesn’t help us.

Frank Cole, wife and baby of Chesterville were up to attend the funeral. 

Mrs. Dolly Criswell and son have returned to their home.  They are moving to a place several miles from here. [John Criswell was interred in the Cheetham Cemetery.]

Colorado County Citizen, June 17, 1926
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Criswell, LaVerne (Phillips)

Criswell

LaVerne Criswell, 92, of Sheridan, passed away April 12 at Schulenburg Regency.

She was born Dec. 27, 1914 in Tuskahoma, Okla. to Archie and Lennie (Fellers) Phillips and married McDowell Criswell on Jan. 4, 1939. She was a retired purchasing agent for Sommers Drugstore and a champion bowler who traveled to tournaments throughout the state. She belonged to First Baptist Church of Sheridan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Arch Phillips; and sister, Thelma Gill.

Survivors include her husband; daughters, Irma Jones of San Antonio and Sharon Hughes of Sheridan; sisters, Velma Howdeshell of Bentonville, Ark. And Wauzell Gill of Almogordo, N.M.; brother, Milton Phillips of West Sacramento, Calif.; grandchildren, V. Carl Jones, Dowell Jones and Brandon Shane Hughes; great grandchildren, Robert Jones, Kristy Dawn Jones, Patrick Jones, Landon Jones and Nicholas Jones.

Services were private. [Interment in Cheetham Cemetery]

Memorial gifts may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 2909 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX. 77025.

Colorado County Citizen, April 18, 2007
Courtesy The Citizen

Criswell, Lizzie B.

Criswell

Lizzie B. Criswell, 91, of Sheridan, passed away Sunday, March 16. She was born May 30, 1894, in Lavaca County to the late Henry Robert and Ella Branon Judd Robert.

She married Robert Lee Criswell on September 29, 1915, in Sublime. He preceded her in death on January 4, 1969.

Mrs. Criswell was a member of First Baptist Church of Sheridan.

The body was taken to First Baptist Church of Sheridan by Kubena Funeral Home where services were held Tuesday March 18.

The Rev. Bernie Helen officiated and burial followed in Cheetham Cemetery.

Survivors include: a son, Robert B. Criswell of Sheridan; two sisters, Miss Minnie Judd of Hallettsville and Mrs. Mary Williams of Sublime; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two sons, four brothers, three sisters and a grandson.

Pallbearers were David Allgayer, Lloyd Criswell, Jr., Harvey Laake, Rodney Laake, Edward Ney and Keith Simnacher.

Honorary pallbearers were Jeffrey Allgayer, Brian Criswell, Clarence Flippen, Lynn Harbour, Shane Jahn, Grady Judd, Sam Judd, Shane Laake, Melvin Otto, Bill Parks and Adrian Williams.

Colorado County Citizen, March 27, 1986
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Criswell, Lloyd George Sr.

Lloyd G. Criswell

Lloyd George Criswell Sr. of Sheridan, Texas entered into eternal rest on January 27, 1984.

He was born November 30, 1918.

He is survived by his mother, Lizzie B. Criswell, his wife, Mary Lou, both of Sheridan, a son and daughter-in-law, Lloyd George and Linda Criswell of Dayton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and David Allgayer of El Campo, and Julie and Keith Simnacher of Robstown; also three grandchildren, Brian and Tracey Criswell and Jeffrey Allgayer.

He leaves one brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Bob) and Ora Criswell; four nieces and a large number other relatives and friends.

Lloyd's father, Robert Lee Criswell and one Infant brother, Henry Lee preceded him in death.

Rev. Bernie Helge officiated at the services on Monday, January 30, 1984, at Kubena Funeral Home, Hallettsville. Interment at Cheatham[sic] Cemetary[sic[, SherIdan, TX.

He was a christian and member of the First Baptist Church of Sheridan. He was a 32 Degree Mason and belonged to Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68 AF & AM; Order of Eastern Star Chapter 324, Columbus, Tx; Scottish Rite Bodies, Houston, Tx; and Colorado Valley Shrine Club.

He was a veteran of World War II serving in the 5th Army, First Armored Division in Europe. He held the rank of Technical Sargent[sic] and served from 1940 to 1945.

He was a retired employee of Shell Oil Company.

Masonic graveside services were held. Masonic pallbearers were: William T. Parks, Harvy Criswell, W. C. Dupre Sr., Elvin Tesch, E. I. Enloe, and W. C. Gohlke.

Honorary pallbearers were: Charlie and McDowell Criswell, Harvey Laake, Casper Einkauf, Isam Brisco Jr., and A. P. McAdams.

Colorado County Citizen, February 9, 1984, page 2

Criswell, Mary E. (Cary)

Mrs. Wm. Criswell Dies in Houston

Mrs. Wm. (Mary) Criswell died in Houston Saturday, August 23rd at 6 a.m. Kubena Funeral Home brought the remains from Houston Saturday where it lay in state until services were held Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Funeral Home and then at 2 p.m. at the Sheridan Baptist Church.  Rev. Diel, officiated.  Interment was made in the Sheridan Cemetery. 

Mrs. Criswell was born in LaPorte, Texas, September 30, 1897 and on April 11, 1932, she was married to W.H. Criswell in Houston.  Since then she has made her home in Houston and Sheridan. 

Survivors are:  her husband, W.H. Criswell, one son, Edward E. Nay of Houston, three brothers:  Julius and Railey Cary of New Orleans, La., Otis Cary of Houston:  Three sisters: Mrs. Nettie Humphrey of Houston, Mrs. Leola Tarq of Houston, Mrs. Pearl Richardson of Houston.  One grandchild also survives. 

Pall bearers were Zane Briscoe, Howard Criswell, Bob Criswell, Charley Criswell, Albert Botard and B.J. Burris.  

Hallettsville Herald, 1958
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Criswell, Ora (Maples)

Ora Maples Criswell

Ora Maples Criswell, 85, of Sheridan passed away Feb. 4 at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Weimar.

She was born March 1, 1923 in Glidden to Tom H. and Ella (Chollett) Maples. On April 12, 1946 she married Robert Boyd Criswell. She was a retired school cafeteria cook for the Rice Independent School District and a member of the Church of Christ in Sheridan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Robert O. Criswell; son-in-law, Harvey J. Laake; brothers, Henry L. “Sonny” Maples and Walter “Buddy” Maples; sisters, Edna Mae Little and Gladys Muzny.

She is survived by daughters Connie Laake of Sheridan and Roberta Jatzlau and husband Kenny of Sheridan; three grandchildren, Rodney Laake and wife Cheryl, Shane Laake and wife Shelli and Tammy Judd and husband Ray; six great grandchildren, Jason and Ty Laake, “Tinker” and Kody Judd and Nolan Laake and Kendall Hilt; sister, Dolly Brown and husband Vernon of Buchanan Lake; brothers, Alfred Maples and wife Dorothy “Rabbit” of Marble Falls and Thomas Maples of San Antonio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services took place Saturday, Feb. 7 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus with Floyd Snyder officiating. Interment followed at Cheetham Cemetery in Sheridan.

Pallbearers included Dennis Sumbera, Ernest Glover, Jimmy Lee Sumbera and Carl Sneck.

Colorado County Citizen, February 10, 2009
Contributed by Judy Talkington

Criswell, Robert Lee

Robert Criswell, Ex-Railroad Man, Dies At Weimar

Robert L. Criswell of Sheridan, a retired railroad man, died Jan. 4 in the Youens Hospital at Weimar. He was 76.

Criswell was born at Sheridan Mar 28, 1892 on Sept. 29, 1916. [sic] [On Sept. 29, 1916,] He was married to Lizzie H. Judd at Sublime. Hid parents were the late James Henry and Mary Briscoe Criswell.

He and Mrs. Criswell were the oldest surviving couple with membership in the First Baptist Church of Sheridan. He was a member of Caledonia Lodge No. 68 AF & AM of Columbus.

Funeral services were held at the Sheridan First Baptist Church, at 2 P.M., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1969 with the Rev. Roy Cooper and Rev. Ray Campbell officiating and the Kubena Funeral Home of Hallettsville in charge. Internment [sic] was in the Cheatham[sic] Cemetery with the Masonic Lodge in charge of graveside rites.

Criswell is survived by his wife; two sons Lloyd and Robert Criswell, both of Sheridan; one sister, Mrs. Lillie Parks of Hallettsville, and six grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Ralph Whitley, Bill Parks, Hubert Wyatt, Dewey McKey, Alton Allen and W. C. Dupre.

Colorado County Citizen, January 16,1969

Criswell, Robert Oren, Jr.

Robert Criswell Buried At Sheridan Fri.

Many citizens from this area and from out of town attended funeral services for Robert Oren Criswell, at the Chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home in Eagle Lake at 2:00 p.m. last Friday, May 25th.

Robert was born Sept. 20th, 1953 the son of Robert B. and Ora Maples Criswell in Weimar, Texas.

He attended Sheridan school up to the time of the formation of the Rice High School in the fall of 1970 and was an outstanding member of the student body at both schools excelling in both scholastics and in athletics.  He was a member of the 1972 graduating class at Rice High School.

Robert was a member of the Church of Christ.

Robert Willis of the Victoria Church of Christ officiated at the services at Mill-Bauer Chapel.  Favorite hymns were rendered at the organ as a prelude to the services.

Robert's body was taken overland to the Cheatham Cemetery near Sheridan where it was placed to a final resting place among great mounds of floral tributes from relatives and friends.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Criswell of Sheridan; one [two] sister[s], Mrs. Harvey Laake of Sheridan and Miss Roberta B. Criswell of Sheridan; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maples of Glidden; and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Lizzie B. Criswell of Sheridan; also a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Serving as pallbearers were classmates and friends Jack Vawter, Bruce Polach, Franklin Walker, Harold Taylor, Lonnie Briscoe, and Howard Lobpries.

Eagle Lake Headlight June 1, 1972  page 1
Submitted by Dorothy Cox

Criswell, Thomas Henry

Tom Criswell Dies At 78 Years

T.H. (Tom) Criswell, 78, well known rancher of the Sheridan area, died in the Renger Hospital in Hallettsville, Thursday, October 20, at 1:20 a.m.  He had been ill for some time. 

The remains were kept at the Kubena Funeral Home here until 11:30 a.m., Sat., Oct. 22, when the body was transferred to the Sheridan Baptist Church where services were held at 2:00 p.m., the same day.  Burial was in the Sheridan Cemetery.  

The deceased was a member of the Baptist Church.  He was born at Sheridan, June 14, 1882, where he grew up and lived all his life.  He was a rancher during all his active life.  As a young man he married Miss Fannie West, at Sheridan. 

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Fannie (West) Criswell of Sheridan; two brothers, W.H. Criswell and R.L. Criswell of Sheridan, and one sister, Mrs. W.P. Parks of Sublime. 

Rev. M.R. Keeble of Sheridan and Rev. Sheppard of Angleton officiated at the funeral.

Pallbearers were Howard Criswell, Charley Criswell, Harvey Criswell, Bob Criswell, Edward Nay and Bill Parks.  

Hallettsville Herald, 1960
Submitted by Regena Williamson