Michael Criswell

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Michael Criswell, 74, of South Milford, died at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, January 25, 2018 in Fort Wayne. Mike was born April 14, 1943 in Kendallville to the late Alan and Vera B. (Ackerman) Criswell. Mike served his country proudly, along with 8 of his siblings in the United States Military, during the Vietnam War.  On May 20, 1972, he married Ada Sue (Ramey) Criswell at Community Baptist Church, a mere two miles from their lifelong home.   Mike was the second to last surviving of 14 children, having previously mourned the loss of 9 brothers: Richard Criswell, Dean Criswell, Louie Criswell, Arthur Criswell, Paul Criswell, Thomas Criswell, Edward Criswell, Fred Criswell, Garman Criswell, and 3 sisters: Bonnie Ammerman, Barbara VanWagner, and Hazel Bloomfield.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, a nephew, Andy Ramey, great granddaughter, Cherish Mae Tuttle, in-laws, Tandy and Geraldean Ramey, and his beloved canine best friend Howie. 

Mike spent hundreds of thousands of miles on the road, driving truck to provide for his family. He retired from Smokercraft Marine in 2002. He loved the outdoors, ice cream, hunting mushrooms and ginseng, Indiana University basketball, tinkering, and going to Burger King with the dog. He built his first family home himself and helped finish his son’s home 30 years later. His hands were calloused from what he gave others, but his compassion and kindness was tender and unmatched. He loved life, laughter, and practical jokes. For him, there was nothing better than a laugh. 

Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ada Sue Criswell of South Milford; 4 sons: Gary (Laramie) Ramey of Albion; Larry (Deborah) Ramey of Hudson; Barry Hepner of South Milford; and Andrew Criswell (Justin Duncan) of South Bend.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Travis Weeks, Jay Weeks, Christopher Ramey, Karis Tuttle, Joshua Ramey, Jessica Evans, Michael Ramey, Damien Ramey, Hannah Ramey, and Eric Hepner; 8 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother, Larry Criswell  of Wolcottville, one brother-in-law, Kenneth Van Wagner of Rome City, and 8 sister-in-laws, Wilma Miller of Kendallville, Janice Ramey of Stroh, Marie Criswell of Olympia, Washington, Garnett Criswell of West Virginia, Donna Criswell of Kendallville, Jo Criswell of Edgerton, Ohio, Maudie Criswell of Kendallville, and Betty Lou Hendrix of Rome City.  At home still is Mike’s canine son, Louie the French Bulldog .

A special gathering of friends and family will be held at Hite Funeral Home, 403 S. Main Street, Kendallville, Indiana on Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Military graveside honors and interment will take place at a later date at Woodruff Memorial Gardens, Wolcottville, Indiana.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hite Funeral Home in the name of Michael Criswell.  Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville. 

Read the Life Story of Mike Criswell at http://www.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/mike-criswell.120590

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