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Rick Crittenden Obituary

RICK CRITTENDEN, 45, passed away April 5, 2003 in Houston, TX. Rick graduated from Houston Baptist University with a Masters Degree in Education, was the director of the band at NW Academy, Minister of Music for 17 years at Cypress Bible Church, the Director of Academic Advisors at Houston Baptist University and the Minister of Music for Sharpstown Baptist Church. He is survived by his son Jonathan, daughters Brittany and Julianna, parents Dr. William and Janette Crittenden, sisters Sandra Williams and Patti Henry, the children's mother Cyndi Crittenden and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held 6-8 PM at the Klein Funeral Home Champion Forest. Funeral Services will be held 10 AM Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at the Cypress Bible Church - Cypress, TX. Interment will be held at 12:30 at the Klein Memorial Park (FM 2920) - Klein, TX. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to any of the three locations of the Southern National Bank c/o Benefit for the children of Rick Crittenden.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 8, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Rick Crittenden

Sponsored by Those whose lives he touched and deeply affected.

16 Entries

Sandra Williams

July 9, 2009

Thank you to the person who paid to keep this guest book on line. I want you to know that I visit it often and it warms my heart to reread the kind things said about my brother. No one had to tell me about his sweet qualities or annoying ones. I am one who knew him maybe better than anyone. His sister. 22 months older than him. I miss his wit. What warms my heart still today about Rick is how he loved the Lord. I remember him directing us in worship in church and instead of looking at us, his face glowed as he faced the ceiling singing (I'm sure the Lord fixed his singing voice for the mercy of all of Heaven!) praises straight to the Lord. He loved Cyndi. He never spoke poorly of his wife only that he loved her. Oh, and his kids. Well. There are no words. Jonathan-he loved you and was so proud of you and would be today! Brittany, his Princess. Ricky loved to spoil you and make you happy. Julie-you were his sidekick. I remember you on the stage while he held practices. You were the baby girl who gave him balance and reason and such joy. He loved your auburn hair and sweet spirit. I think if he had a chance to say one more thing to you three, it would be to go to church, live for the Lord, seek His will, and love each other. Always remember your dad is in the cloud of witnesses, in the stands, cheering you on as you go through each and every day of this race we call life.
I love you,
Aunt San

Kathy Perrine

April 24, 2007

I met Rick at NW Academy as a parent of 2 of his band students. He quickly became a very important influence in my sons lives. I watched in amazement as he helped the school band achieve success in their various contests and endeavors. He became the Music Pastor at Cypress Bible Church and our friendship grew as musicians with a Christian goal.
He was a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a fellow musician, an advisor, a leader, a confidante, a pastor, a pal, a soul mate. He spoke the language of Music, a
God given creation, in so many styles and forms. He knew how to draw out of you what one didn't realize they could do. I accused him of being able to "walk on water" before every Cantata (and at other times)and he would just give that knowing half-smile like he had a secret. It was not one of conceit; it was like he knew we would be able to perform better than our best. Afterwards, he'd smile, exhausted and elated telling us, we should be where he is standing hearing the music - he was blessed by it all and the Praise was all to God. When you spoke with him, you always felt as if what you had to say was very important.
I can see him now on the platform his arms held high, his chin in the air leading the choir and orchestra, taking in the music and singing and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit and you wonder who is enjoying the praise and worship more, him or Him. I miss you Rick as a good friend who also was subjected to the trials of this world. You made me a better musician and person. I thank God that he had it in His plan for our paths to cross. Someday we will meet again and we will Praise God even better than our best. Thank you Cyndi and family for sharing him with us. A wise pastor at Cypress Bible said "would we really want to ask him to come back to this world and leave the Heavenly Presence of God". No worries, no sorrow, no pain, just the Glory of the Presence of the Lord.

Jack Foos

August 17, 2003

I was shocked to learn of Rick's untimely death. He was counted as a dear friend, a fellow musician, and an anointed leader -- especially for prayer, praise and worship. If the mouth speaks what the heart has overflowing, then Rick's heart was overflowing with love and compassion for every person with whom he had to do. Enjoy your celebration with our Abba Daddy, Rick; we'll be there soon!

Larry & Angela Orlando

May 19, 2003

We were so very saddened to hear about Rick's death. He was a wonderful person from a wonderful family who we love and admire. We will never forget the fun and laughter we shared with Rick on the NWA trip to Bavaria in Europe. It has and will remain to be a source of warm special memories. He did a great job at NWA and was missed greatly when he left. Our hearts and prayers go out to this precious family especially his mom and dad.

Love from the Larry Orlando Family

Craig Acord

April 25, 2003

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ricky. We were always in the same Sunday School class while growing up. I was always a little jealous, because Ricky was the only one who successfully memorized the name of every book in the Bible. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Johnnie Beth Menton

April 21, 2003

I was so sorry to hear about Rick. I was at the funeral, but was not able to speak to any of the family members. The service was really sweet. Every one of you are very precious to me and I pray that the Lord will comfort you and fill the void that Rick has left.

God Bless You!!

Johnnie Beth Menton

Posey Starkey

April 16, 2003

I was so shocked to get an e-mail

from Laverne Acord in Houston

regarding the death of Rick.

Rick was in my Junior High School

and Handbell Choir as well as

the Youth Choir when I was Minister

of Music and Music Director for

the School at Second Baptist Church,

l964-l977. I had no idea he was

so successful in his music field

and know he will be missed by all.

When I was back for Second Baptist's

75th Anniversary in October I was

hoping to get view of some of the

Crittendens - but to no avail.

Bill and his entire family was so

very special to the Starkeys!

God bless you all!

I have been Senior Pastor of the

Buckhead Baptist Church in Atlanta

since l995, recently moved to

position of Associate Pastor and

work only 2 and one-half days a

week at the church. I teach voice

and piano at home and also tune

pianos in my spare time.

Posey L. Starkey

Jennifer Henderson

April 9, 2003

I am completely shocked to hear about Rick. I used to babysit the girls and took Jonathan to school his freshman year in High School. The Crittenden's were our families next door neighbors for 7 years. From the time I was in 5th grade until I graduted HS. I will truly miss Rick and will keep his family and friends in my prayers daily.

Brad Holmes

April 9, 2003

I am so sorry to hear of Rick's death. Rick and I were the tuba section at Sharpstown High School when we were there. He and I did a lot of hanging out together during those years. He was a great guy then and I see from the remarks about Rick that he continued being a great friend.

We've not been in touch since those days. I have often thought of him and wish we could have been closer.

My prayers are with his family and friends.

Steve Pickett

April 8, 2003

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I have many fond memories of our paths crossing at HBU. Rick will be remembered for his warmth, multiple talents and humor.

My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. Let us not lose touch in the years ahead. Our family friendship is much treasured.

Mike Hopkins

April 8, 2003

Even though Rick and I had only occasional contact over the last few years, there was a time when he was as good a friend as I have ever had. We had a lot of fun back in the day, and I'm sorry he had to leave us so soon. I'm sure all who knew him will miss him greatly.

With deepest sympathy,

Cherilyn Young

April 8, 2003

I am so sorry and shocked to hear of the loss. Mr. C. was an excellent teacher, band director, guitar instructor, and adult friend during my junior high days at NWA.

My thoughts and prayers for Cyndi, the children, and the rest of his family.

With love in Christ,

Cherilyn

Ann Crenshaw

April 8, 2003

I have fond memories of working side by side with Rick at Northwest Academy. He always made me laugh! Rick had a unique way of making everyone feel important.

My prayers are with all of you in the deep loss you are experiencing.

Guy Cantwell

April 8, 2003

While I miss Rick a great deal, I know he is in God's hands and in harmony with the worship and music in heaven.

Wendy Miller

April 8, 2003

We loved Rick and enjoyed his music ministry for the 10 years we were at CBC. We are so sorry for your loss and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Pamela Arceneaux

April 8, 2003

It is so difficult to understand why God would allow such a wonderful man to leave this earth and all of his family and friends but He must have great plans for Rick in Heaven. I am praying for each of the family members during your great time of loss.

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