William Hudson Criswell
September 26, 1920 - July 14, 2009
Obituary
William H. Criswell born September 26, 1920 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Walter H. and Elitha L. He died peacefully at his home in Des Moines, WA. on July 11, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife Annie high school sweetheart of 65 years. Survived by son, Gerald Shirley of Bellevue, WA, daughter Christine Moore Jay of Seattle, WA, sisters, Betty Hern, Altanta, GA, and Marvel Fulton, Mountlake Terrace, WA, plus grandsons, David of Renton, WA and Dean Ashley of Las Vegas, NV.
He was an Army Air Force commander of a B-29, the Coral Queen, in the Pacific theatre during WWII with over 30 combat missions over Japan. After the war he worked for the Boeing Company in the wind tunnel as a model maker for 25 years. Also during that time he built for his family, two homes, a cabin cruiser and a side by side experimental aircraft, which he built in the garage of the family home over a 7 year period. After retiring he ulitized his model making talent by making several museum quality clipper ship models.
He will be interned at Tahoma National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the American Heart Association.
Bill was always very helpful when I needed some little repairs done. He will truly be missed.
I grew up with Jerry as a neighbor and then as a best friend. Throughout that time I watched as nothing but a garage was transformed by Bill into a palace. Then he built a garage. In that
garage you could find the family all working to better their lives. Making things doing things all the while Bill was building “Thumper” their cabin cruiser. I was priveleged to be invited on board many times.
To us Bill was a man who never rested, but I think he got his rest by making and doing and doing it masterfully.
In deepest sympathy,
Don Bolton
Dear Uncle Jerry, Aunt Shirley, Dave, Dean and Ashley, and Chris and Jay,
Our hearts are with all of you at this difficult time and we are truly sorry we can’t be there with you next week.
If I personally, was able to say anything at Bill’s Memorial, I would have to say I feel very fortunate to have known Bill.
I met Bill and his wonderful wife, Annie, when I was a child. My aunt Shirley married their son, Jerry. I have a lot of great memories. Especially, from Whidbey Island and Diamond Lake. I adored Bill and he was a very special man.
Twenty some years after meeting Bill, he took the time at a family BBQ to share fascinating stories about the Air Force and his personal airplanes with my son, Tom. Although Tom was only eight or nine years old at the time, Tom has fondly recalled those stories, especially over the past few days.
I will remember Bill and smile. Bill was caring, gentle, intelligent, classy and funny.
Rest in peace, Bill, and have fun flying with the angels!
Love,
Carolyn, KC, Tom and CJ
I as a child I had great memories of a loving and kind Uncle. My mom brother and I spent a lot time with Uncle Bill & Aunt Annie. He actually was the man in our lives as young boys in Seattle. What an inspiration he was being an Army Air Force Pilot, I thought he was the greatest. My wife, Janelle and I will miss him very much.
My favorite uncle, Uncle Bill, you will be missed by all. Our love and prayers. Love, Kathy and Darrel
From your sister, Betty. I love you and will miss you.
Love, Betty
Dear Jerry and Shirley, Dave, Dean and Ashley, Chris and Jay,
We send our love and condolences to you all and we are so thankful to have had the privilege to be a new member in the family of grandpa’s life. We truly enjoyed him and wish there were more years with him. Thank you for giving us the opportunities to share some special times with him. Jerry and Chris, your father is really a great man and I know you will miss him dearly.
With love.
I loved you uncle bill and missed you always. I have nice memories of staying with you and aunt ann, Gerry and chris’ RIP ALWAYS.