Rev. John H. Criswell's Obituary
Rev. John (Jack) Criswell, 94, went home to the Lord on August 14, 2013 after a long illness. He was born to Mary and John Criswell on November 24, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA, the youngest of 8 siblings: Earl, Sylvester, Howard, Lillian, Myrtle, Pauline and Margaret, all of whom preceded him in death. He attended Penn State where he played basketball and graduated from Temple University with a business degree. While working at a bank in Philadelphia he met Henrietta Ryner, who became his wife for 60 years until her death in 2001. He later attended Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia and became a pastor in the United Presbyterian Church. He loved to sing and during his seminary days sang daily in a quartet on the Percy Crawford radio broadcast. Jack served churches in Jersey City, Detroit, Moline, IL, where he raised his family, Hackettstown, NJ, and Beaver Falls, PA. He and his wife moved to Tavares, FL in the mid 1980’s where he retired, but continued to fill in where needed at area churches. Throughout his life he aimed to preach faithfully the Word of God and to help those in need in whatever way he could. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda and Jaqueline. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left at on the Tribute Wall.
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