CRISWELL

Charley Calvin Criswell left us to go work the cattle in heaven Mar. 4. He was born May 7, 1925 in Sheridan, the fifth child of nine.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Jefferson Criswell, mother Bertha Maude McDowell Criswell, brothers McDowell, Howard, and Harvey, and his sisters Audrey Walters and Ora Spittler.

He is survived by his sisters Mildred Eskine, Margie McIntosh, and Elsie Oakley. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Marjorie Howe Criswell; daughter Sharla Criswell Bell (Kenneth Bell); son James Criswell (Rhonda Couch Criswell); grandchildren Cristalynn Bell Dillon (Michael Dillon), Cody Criswell (Alexandra Criswell), and Haley Criswell Jones (Jordan Jones), and great-grandchildren Charley and Lillian Dillon.

Charley attended both Columbus and Sheridan High Schools, graduating in 1942. He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18 and served during World War II in the 6th Army Airborne in the European Theatre. He retired from Todd’s Shipyards after a successful career as a Hull Steel Superintendent. He spent the remainder of his years working on the Criswell Cattle Ranch in Sealy.

Charley enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, children, and grand children, working with his cattle and in his garden and watching his beloved Houston Astros.

His Celebration of Life was at Henneke Funeral Home, 1515 Montezuma Street in Columbus Saturday, Mar. 7.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2500 Fondren Rd., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77063 and the American Diabetes Association, 2400 Augusta Dr., Suite 175, Houston, TX 77057-4989.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.