John E. Criswell

John E. Criswell, 81, of North Milk and Water Road, Everett, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at UPMC Altoona Hospital after a brief illness.  He was born on March 2, 1935 in James Creek, PA; son of the late A. Ross and Ella Jane (Summers) Criswell.  On June 15, 1958, at the First United Church of Christ in Everett, he married the love of his life, Joyce L. (Lashley) Criswell.  Along with his wife of fifty-eight years, he is survived by a daughter, Cindy A. (married to Ted Speck) Vienna, VA; a granddaughter Becca Speck; a brother Dr. Allen Criswell (married to Joy) Houston, TX; sister-in-law Arlene Pittman (married to Arland); brother-in-law Wilmer Lashley; and two nieces and two nephews.

John was a member of the First Christian Church, Everett.

John was a graduate of Huntingdon High School Class of 1952 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in history from Juniata College and later continued his education obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Studies Education from Shippensburg in 1970.  John served in the United States Army from 1957-1960, having served as SP4.

John taught at Claysburg-Kimmel from 1960-1963 and in 1963 he came to Everett Area School District to teach ninth grade Civics until 1968.  He then began teaching twelfth grade Problems of Democracy until 1983.  From 1984-1993, he taught in the Content Tutoring program. In 1993, he retired after teaching 33 years.  

He was a former member of the Bedford Elks Lodge No. 1707, having been named Elk of the Year in 1970.  He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Employee Association and Charter Member of the Down River Golf and Country Club. 

John had a deep passion for playing and watching sports, from his time as a pitcher onJuniata College’s baseball team during all four years to his continued participation in various community bowling and baseball leagues. He coached local teams and worked many sporting events. John had a special love for the game of golf and horse racing and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan. John was his daughter’s and granddaughter’s biggest fan as they carried on the tradition of their love of sports.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at the Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA from 4:00-8:00 pm and on Friday from 10:00 am until the hour of service at the funeral home.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 11:00 am in the Chapel at Akers Funeral Home with Rev. Robert R. Robertson officiating.

Burial will be held in the Everett Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Everett Area Honor Guard.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Criswell to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517; Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America, 20325 Center Ridge Road, Suite 360, Rocky River, OH 44116 or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com.

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