Former Arizona resident, E. G. "Cris" Criswell, 77, went home to be with our Lord Dec. 11, 2017 in Plano, TX, surrounded by his beloved family.

Cris was born Aug. 11, 1940, in Tulsa, OK to Victor E. Criswell & Doris Messenger Criswell. He grew up in Tulsa, OK graduating from Will Rogers High School & went on to attend Phillips University in Enid, OK. He began with the intention of going into the ministry but found his talent in the business side of ministry & obtained a degree in church business finance.

He worked as a Church Business Administrator for multiple churches in OK & TX, including Asbury UMC in Tulsa, OK, & University Park UMC in Dallas, TX. Recently he was an active member of Gold Canyon United Methodist Church where he was Treasurer & heavily involved in the technical/live streaming ministry. Cris enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, singing, stained glass work & especially going on cruises. He also felt called to preach God's word & touched many lives in this way. Cris & Bev just recently moved from AZ to TX to be closer to family & had looked forward to making more memories.

Cris was preceded in death by his parents & sister, Marie Criswell Walsh & is survived by his beloved wife & high school sweetheart, Beverly Stewart Criswell & they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on Dec. 17, 2017. He's also survived by his brother, Grover Criswell; daughter, Diana Criswell Goldesberry; son, Jeff Criswell; grandchildren, Justin Neff & Ashley Criswell Muzzarelli & great grandchildren, Preston, Madeleine, Justin, David & Brooklynn.

Memorial services were held in Dallas, TX as well as Gold Canyon, AZ.

Richard Hackl 29 Dec 2017