Robert J. Criswell (Plainview)

Robert James Criswell joined his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 surrounded by his daughters and the love of his life. He was born in Blair, Texas on February 9, 1930 to Lena May and Wilmer Criswell. Robert J. graduated from Merkel High School in 1948 and served in the Korean Conflict from 1949-51. He married Patsy Lou Dunagin on May 25, 1952. The young couple moved to Plainview, Texas in 1954. They raised three daughters in the Halfway community. Robert J. was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Betty June; daughter, Robin Criswell Wilder; and son in law, Mike Parsons. He is survived by sisters, Mary Boone, Virginia English, and Kathryn Whisenhunt; his sweetheart of over seventy years, Patsy Dunagin Criswell; daughters, J Carol Criswell Parsons and Elizabeth Ann Criswell Taylor; son in law, Grant Taylor, as well as grandchildren, Bryan and JPatrick Shuey, JoRobin Taylor, Blair and Michael Parsons, and Lauren Wilder Hooker. He had three great grandsons and a host of nieces and nephews. Robert J. was loved by many. He treated everyone with equal kindness and respect. To say he never met a stranger is an understatement. He answered countless calls from friends in need and never said no. He saw the good in all of us. He loved his country and was proud to farm God’s creation. He enjoyed almost every sunrise for the past 60 years and felt there was no sunrise or sunset more beautiful than his own backyard. Robert J. was modest and humble, kind and strong. He loved laughter, jokes, and butter on everything. He could also fit four grandsons in one seatbelt if he had to. Daddy J always said “do the right thing.” Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 29 at First Baptist Church Chapel in Plainview, Texas with Mr. Lanny Voss officiating and Rev. Roger Foote assisting. A visitation will be held in the Parlor starting at 9:00 until service time. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. Memorials may be sent to the Mike Parsons Wellness Center, c/o Marbridge, P.O. Box 2250, Manchaca, TX 78652.