Fred Nelson Criswell, born, May 12, 1936, died peacefully at home on January 27,2023 with his wife, Shirley (Plunkett) of 69 years and his children by his side. Fred was born in Monticello, Ky the son of Alvin Jason Criswell and Amanda Simpson Criswell.
The family with 14 children moved to the New Castle area when he was 12 years old. He and his brothers were master carpenters and built, remodeled or did some type of work on many houses in the New Castle and surrounding areas. Fred not only built houses but had a specialty in laying ceramic tile, carpet and linoleum. In his later years his woodworking skills including Hoosier Cabinet reproductions and for the past 15 years he has built impeccable acoustic guitars that rivaled Martin Guitar quality. He loved playing music with his family and friends. Fred never knew a stranger and could talk to anyone finding a common thread connection through acquaintances or relatives. He loved his family and God and will be sorely missed in the lives of all he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Plunkett) Criswell; his sons, Danny (Diane) Criswell and Todd (Angela) Criswell; his daughters, Jeane (Richard “Dack”) Cole and Beth (Andy) Panyik; siblings, Lorene Hurt, Rosemary Fisher, Barbara Mullins (ED) Kay Watkins, Darlene Runyon, Tim (Donna), Joe and Gene (Joyce); grandchildren, Adam (Cassie) and Aaron (Jennifer) Dickison, Austin (Rosie) Panyik, Teddy Criswell, Zachary Cole, April (David) Rees, Angi Fisher, Cody Criswell; great-grandchildren include Lane, Hannah, Alexis and Cora Dickison, Lukas Panyik, Dreagon and Rihannon Fisher, Suri and Maddox Rees.
In addition to his parents, siblings preceded him in death, James, Estill, Rex, Evelyn Williams and Louise Crabtree.
Coming from a family of 14 kids, there are so many extended family members across the country and Fred loved them all: Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and their families. He loved learning about the genealogy of his family and could tell you a little something about everyone the family was connected too.
Fred attended the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall for many years and was a devoted follower of God and his word.
A Memorial Service is tentatively scheduled at Hinsey-Brown for March 25, 2023 to allow for better weather and distant family members and friends the opportunity to attend. Please check their website or Facebook page for definitive details. You may express condolences or share a memory of Fred at www.hinsey-brown.com.