Obituary

Robert James Criswell joined his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, surrounded by his daughters and the love of his life. He was born in Blair, Texas, on Feb. 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 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 70 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 J. Patrick 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 from 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 a.m. today, Nov. 29, at First Baptist Church Chapel in Plainview with Mr. Lanny Voss officiating and the Rev. Roger Foote assisting. A visitation will be held in the parlor starting at 9 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. Online condolences can be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.