Jefferson City News-Tribune, March 27, 2005,
Jefferson City, Missouri

Russell P. Criswell, 88, of New Bloomfield, died Friday, March 25, 2005 at St. Joseph Home in Jefferson City.

He was born April 15, 1916, in Callaway County, Mo., the son of the late Paulide and Mary Elizibeth (Scholl) Criswell. In 1939, he married Evelyn Jewell Ballenger in Keyesville, Mo. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2001.

He graduated from New Bloomfield High School in 1934. He worked at the Fulton Post Office in the 1940's and later in the 60's, he went back to work as a rural carrier for New Bloomfield. He, also farmed the same land that his grandfather and father farmed, the Criswell Angus Farm. He was a District Road Commissioner for a very long time. He was a charter member of the New Bloomfield Lions Club and a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge in Fulton. He was a member of the New Bloomfield Methodist Church and served as President of the Board and Sunday School Superintendent.

He is survived by three daughters, Evelyn Thomas and Louise Tremmell, both of New Bloomfield, and Linda Ferguson of Jefferson City; one son, Tom Criswell of Grain Valley, Mo.; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Criswell, in 1966.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 29 at the Debo Funeral Home in Fulton with Rev. David Gottman officiating. Burial will follow in Callaway Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.