John Newton Criswell
1908 – 2004
[photo included in obituary]

At his request, no services will be held for John Newton Criswell, who lived in Independence for the last 38 years and died at Southern Inyo Hospital on Feb. 7, 2004.

John was born in Sprinkle, Texas on April 19, 1908.  He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1929 and served until 1933 as a Fireman Second Class.  He was called into active duty from the Naval Reserves in late 1941 and was sent to Pearl Harbor immediately after the Dec. 7 attack.  He served at Pearl Harbor throughout World War II, rising to the rank of Chief Machinist Mate.

John's colorful career history included work at the Monolith Cement Plant near Tehachapi, at a sawmill in the Sierra and as a machinist in many places, including General Motors Truck and Coach Division in Oakland.  He finished his career as a mechanic working for Inyo County, often working in the field in Death Valley or wherever road equipment needed repair.  John was a member of Inyo Lodge No. 221 Free and Accepted Masons and American Legion Post 265.

John was a joy to be with, touching all those who knew him," loved ones said.  "He never complained about his health even as increasing age presented some health difficulties.  John was known for his dry sense of humor, making those around him laugh and smile.  If you sat with him for more than five minutes, he would make you laugh."

John liked to play cards and take trips to Nevada to gamble.  Later in life, he often sat on his front porch during the day and watched the world go by.  In the evening, he sat on his back porch to gaze at the moon in the night sky.  "John lived in the Owens Valley because it was always sunny, and his personality was a reflection of the place he lived - he always looked on the bright side of life," loved ones said.  "John never took life for granted and was very appreciative of those who cared for him.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline.  He is survived by his sister, Vida Isabelle Schell of Tucson, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Allie Criswell of Temple, Texas; nephews, A. Wayne Criswell of Temple, Texas and Thomas D. Schell of Camarillo; two great-nieces and two great-nephews.  John is also survived by caregivers Calder Reid, many dedicated and supportive friends, and "the big black dog" Langley, all from Independence.

The Inyo Register, Bishop, Inyo County, California
Thursday, February 12, 2004 - Page A-2
Transcribed by Pat Houser for Inyo County GenWeb, March 25, 2005