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Robert Jerome "Jerry" Criddle
Robert Jerome "Jerry" Criddle
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Robert Criddle Obituary
It was in Fort Worth, that Jerry met the woman he came to cherish and would spend the rest of his life with, Janet Bass. They were married in 1986 and have resided in Fort Worth since their marriage. They became the parents to two beautiful children Travis in 1997 and Sydney in 1999.
A true Renaissance man, Jerry's passions in life were his wife and children, education, scuba diving, philosophy, music, art, movies, being a Texan and Single Malt Scotch. He was a true friend to multitudes and would do anything needed including learning plumbing, construction, masonry, electrical-they could depend on Jerry's help, advice, teaching and hard work.
He is survived and mourned by his wife Janet Bass, his son Travis Bass, his daughter Sydney Bass, his mother and step-father Gerald and Rima Tyler, his brother Joel Howard Criddle and sister-in-law Tracy, his brother-in-law, Stephen Bass and his mother and father-in-law, Jack and Pat Bass, all in Fort Worth. He is also survived by his Aunt Robbie Gries (David Bailey), his Aunt Fredia Hester (Robert), his Aunt Pego Rice (Rose Wall), his Uncle Warren Rice (Sveta), his sister-in-law Cathy Begley (Tom), his niece Ria Teeters, his nephew James Teeters, half brother and sister Ed Criddle and Latresa Mitchell. Finally, all the many other relatives, friends, and students whose lives Jerry has touched.
Those who wish instead of flowers, may donate in Jerry's name to his favorite charity Bilateral Upper Limb Loss at bulltx.com. Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life for Jerry on Sunday, July 7th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the B.R. Johnson CTE Center, 1033 McCart Ave, Crowley, Texas, 76036.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Johnny
January 2, 2022
I remember taking his classes at North Crowley back around 2007, I believe he was a substitute that ended up transitioning into a full time teacher. You could tell he really loved what he did and cared about his students. Im very saddened to find out he has passed away. RIP Mr. Criddle.
MICHAEL TOMICH
October 4, 2021
I know I am two years late to this tribute page, but back then when I heard the news, I was terribly saddened. I attended North Crowley High School and had the absolute privilege to take four of Mr. Criddle's technology classes. I can confidently say that Mr. Criddle had the most influential impact on my education and career. Not only was he a true "Renaissance man" highly skilled in various arts and trades, as stated above, but he had wonderful heart and soul that echoed throughout his classroom instruction. He was a professional who took his job seriously, while also being fair, reasonable, and generous. It was truly special how he was able to pack such an abundance of knowledge into just two short years of classes. I can still hear his voice as clear as day from his Photoshop and AutoCAD tutorial videos. It's a bittersweet memory that brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes as I type this note.
His top priority was ensuring a solid technical foundation in his students to prepare them for a variety of career options and he always made sure to challenge your creativity and critical thinking abilities in order to bring out your full potential.
Don't ask me what randomly made me think of him on this October evening because I'm not sure I can say. But I "Googled" his name after a sudden flashback and when I found this memorial page, I felt obligated and honored to pay a small tribute of gratitude and remembrance. It's the very lease I can do. Please rest easy, sir. I know you're watching over your family and jamming out to some U2 right now while you plan your next dive trip in paradise!
David Worley
July 15, 2019
It's been nearly a month now & I still haven't come to terms with this loss. Some things you take for granted that they will last forever & Jerry's friendship was one of those. I always assumed he'd have to say goodbye to me & not the other way around. We all have friends, but, life only gives us so many BEST friends & Jerry was the best of those.
Jerry was always the kind of guy who gave to others without expecting anything back. I dare so that no friend of Jerry's has had the thought in the last few weeks that they gave more to him than he gave to them. And the least of all was me because Jerry was there for me in a time of my life when everything was turned upside down & inside out. He gave to me while assuredly taking from his own family & for that I will always been unflinchingly thankful.
To Janet, Joel, Travis, Sydney, Rima & the rest of the family always know that I loved him like a brother & if my feelings of loss are this intensely strong then I'm not sure I can really fathom yours. I am there for y'all if you ever need anything.
Rest in Peace old friend & I hope we get to hang out on the other side someday & laugh about how wrong we were.
David
Derek Junek
July 9, 2019
Im really going to miss this wonderful man Ill never forget that he came to my house to teach my best friend and I how to scuba dive! It was the best experience ever and he was the best teacher! Then shortly after he went with me to Mexico to be there with me on my first dive! Still to this day that was one of the best trips Ive ever been on! Thank you Jerry for everything you showed me about diving you we truly be missed.
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Leah Corboz
July 9, 2019
I only knew Jerry for a short time but he was such a warm and inclusive person that I felt I had know him for much longer. You will be sadly missed by your family and many friends. RIP lovely man Leah Corboz Cottingham UK
Philip Audrain
July 9, 2019
We only met you once and were lucky enough to eat your Fish & Chip fry in the garden in Fort Worth. Your warm caring & welcoming nature shone through. It was a pleasure to meet you and only sad we will not do it again RIP Jerry.
Thinking of you all Phil Sarah Abigail & Jack
Joel Criddle
July 7, 2019
For my brother
JOEL CRIDDLE
July 7, 2019
I loved my brother unconditionally. Even on the days I would ask him a question and he would look at me with his patented stink eye and give me the one- or two-word answer that was really saying why are you asking me this? Are you afflicted?
I loved him not because he was just my brother but because in spite of his far often gruff exterior, at his heart he wanted to help others. It didnt matter if you were a friend of 2 minutes 20 years you could always count on Jerrys help. Somewhere along the way of life Jerry decide he would be a positive force in people lives and he committed himself to that way of life.
In my mid-twenties and early thirties, I was a mess. I had no plan and little self-worth. I didnt think life was worth living and no one would ever love me. I confided this to Jerry and after we cried together. He told me he loved me and he had my back and he always did.
He encouraged me to do things. He always invited me over to stay in touch and check on me. He pushed me to get out there and live life and eventually I found my way out of my darkness. He even pointed out to me with a heavy wink-wink-nod-nod that a certain single lady might be interested. That beautiful lady Tracy is now my wife of twenty years. And I know I owe much of my happiness to my brothers love and attention.
But I am not alone in receiving Jerrys help. Many of you if not most of you here today have something that Jerry has helped you with. You have the gift of the wisdom he shared with you, custom art or he helped you fix a computer, a car, fixed an electrical issue, a plumbing problem, hung a door, or helped with a remodel in your home. In fact, about the only thing I am sure he probably didnt help you with is fix a roof, because like his brother Jerry hated working on a roof.
Jerrys loss so early and suddenly has left a hole in my heart that may never be filled, but I do take some comfort in the thought that his blood will continue on in the life of his two most precious creations Travis and Sydney and in the knowledge that all the things he has done and all the people he has helped will keep his memory alive.
Because, in the words of the writer Justin Cronin
As long as we remember a person, they're not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us. If this is true then my brother will live many many more years to come in all our memories.
To my brother.
Amy Kuhns
July 7, 2019
I'll remember Jerry as one of the most intelligent people I've ever known. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry in CISD. I know it will never be the same there without his wit and expertise. Janet, I pray that the love of friends and family are a source of strength for you in the coming days. You all are loved...
Cathy Koke
July 7, 2019
Jerry was one of the smartest people I have ever met and yet he had a heart of gold. He will be missed.
Lynne Ryan
July 7, 2019
I had the pleasure of working with Jerry at North Crowley for several years. He was a wonderful friend and teacher. This world has lost an amazing man.
Michael Young
July 7, 2019
Jerry thank you for sharing your passion of diving with me and my boys. Because of you sharing this with us my son has found his passion in life and well on his way to doing what he loves for a living. Thanks to you and with a little luck he will always do something he loves for a job. You will be missed buddy.
Greg DeNio
July 7, 2019
Jerry was a good friend. I met him at the video store he ran. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge of all movie trivia. I saw him daily for 4 months while recovering from back surgery... I will miss him..
Jenny Sanders (Dyal)
July 7, 2019
It has been 20 years since you were a pertinent portion of my life and lifestyle. It seems like yesterday. From learning techniques at the bottom of the Texas Weslyn college pool to experiencing the murkiness of Lake Travis & Lake Whitney grottos to going night diving & cenote diving in Cozumel. You taught me how to work with my fear of things I could not control and embrace things I could. I always appreciated your patience not only as a teacher but as a mentor. I am sure that you are embracing all that God has given you...
David Hummer
July 7, 2019
You were a true friend and will be missed. We had lots of good times in the past. As we all know like can be full of regrets, one of my greatest regrets was losing touch with you when I moved to Weatherford. The world was a much better place with you in it. Your Friends, David and Patty
Angela Boyd
July 7, 2019
I was blessed enough to live with Jerry and Janet for a summer when I was in college. During that time, I fell in love with not only Jerry and Janet as individuals but with them as a couple. They were such wonderful companions in life together. That served as a great inspiration to me. Jerry loved Janet very much. Many husbands love their wives. Jerry respected Janet very much. Jerry's respect for Janet as an individual and as a partner in life was so unique to me as a young 18 year old. Janet, Travis and Sydney will be in my prayers and in my heart.
Renee Debus-Dampier
July 7, 2019
He was a funny guy. He will be missed.
Kim Jones
July 7, 2019
A wonderful, funny, talented man that will be missed by all.
Marsha Brown
July 7, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I can't even begin to imagine the sorrow.
Jan Hodge
July 7, 2019
Jerry was a cornerstone in the CISD Technology department and always great to work with. So knowledgeable, capable and willing to help. His generosity will live on and he will be greatly missed.
Jan Hodge
Carol Hafer
July 7, 2019
Enjoyed working with Jerry.
Fredia Hester
July 7, 2019
Jerry enriched our lives so much.
Kevin von Braun
July 7, 2019
Jerry introduced me to a whole new world of underwater beauty and mystery. When I decided to learn SCUBA diving, Jerry was my instructor and taught me so much about the aquatic realm and myself. Jerry saw in me the potential for being an instructor as well. That idea wasnt anywhere on my radar, but Jerry saw it, mentored, encouraged and supported me all the way to completion of my SCUBA Instructor Certification.
Jerry, Janet, Joel and friends made every dive trip and or local party an adventure as well as something not to be missed.
Reading the obituary above there is much I did not know, but I consider myself lucky to have known him and experienced his wisdom, humor and love for life as I did.
Miss ya Jerry
Jana Lewis
July 6, 2019
I enjoyed working with him.
Dena Faaborg
June 30, 2019
Jerry had a wicked sense of humor that always brought a smile to my face. He was a GOOD man in the truest sense of the word and he will be greatly missed. One of things that always stood out to me was that he took the time to not only help you but to teach you. Rest in peace, Jerry, and pray for us.
Ginger Whitley
June 29, 2019
Jerry wasmy Hero. He and his brother are just that kind of Men. He coached me through some difficult issues and knowing he was in the World brought me comfort. I was astounded by his intelligence and talent. There wasnt anything he couldnt do. I asked him many many times how he learned this thing or that and he would rely I read a book. He was brilliant, talented, funny and incredibly generous with his Care. Jerry helped me be a better me and Im forever grateful for our friendship.
Greg Teeters
June 28, 2019
I had not seen Jerry in some years and was very sorry to hear of his death. Jerry's wife Janet is my ex-wife's sister (Cathy). Along with our late friend Danny Roberts, Jerry and I would always get together when I was in town on leave from the military, back in the 80s and early 90s - - - - we would always have a grand time! He was such a smart guy, self-taught and knowledgable in so many ways. I used to ask him, "how do you know all of this stuff?" He was the kind of person that made everyone around him better. A true asset to our world. I always greatly admired him for his even temperament, pleasant demeanor, and direct approach. The best of the best. Until we meet again....Aloha.
Richard & Susan McCulloch
June 27, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Karen Robertson
June 27, 2019
Crowley ISD will miss Jerry tremendously!!! It was a privilege to work with him at the Admin Building. Prayers go up to his family & friends!
Jack Whitten
June 27, 2019
I had the pleasure of working with and for him as well as developing a strong friendship that I will cherish forever. He taught me so much. His words of wisdom will be remembered and cherished. He helped build and design parts of my house and put his blood and sweat into it too. He had a passion for many things but above all were his wife and kids that he talked about most. We were all lucky to know and love him.
Leah Corboz
June 27, 2019
I only met Jerry last year when he visited UK on his Whiskey trail and then met him again when I visited his mother Rima and her husband Gerald in Fort Worth more recently. Although I only knew him briefly he made a big impact on me. His friendliness, sense of humour and generosity of spirit will stay with me. I grieve for Janet, his family and friends. He will be sorely missed I know. RIP Jerry much love Leah xxx
Holly Finley
June 26, 2019
What a wonderful inspirational man Jerry was. Intelligent, loving,humorous, thoughtful , mentor to many, helpful............I could go on but words fail me.
Jerry, you are loved by so many. You will be missed but will always have a special place in our hearts.
Vince Cruz
June 26, 2019
I met Jerry over 25 years ago. He began as my scuba instructor, but soon became my close friend and mentor. For years, Jerry was my best friend. But Jerry was everyones best friend. That was Jerry.
I was fortunate enough to take many trips with Jerry & Janet. Among them were Cozumel, Honduras & Bon Aire. We frankly had the time of our lives having belly laughs, great conversations & unbelievable diving.
Jerry is the smartest and most talented person Ive ever met. And although he was younger than me, he was more like a big brother since he was much wiser and bigger than me.
He was the Best Man in my wedding, quite simply because he was the best man Id ever met. Im grateful for Jerry & Janet making the trip to Scranton, Pa. to share this event with Carolyn and me.
Jerry, thank you for teaching me many of lifes valuable lessons. I miss you dearly my friend.
Latresa Mitchell
June 26, 2019
He was fun and crazy took a dare like a champ. Remember lots of good times when we were growing up. Although life took us all in separate direction I still thought about you often. Will be missed my brother.
Amy Diehl
June 26, 2019
Jerry and Janet were like second parents to my daughter when she was in middle and high school. Jerry helped Scarlett learn to drive. He was a funny, intelligent, cool guy. They were the best other family I could have asked for for my child. Scarlett loved Jerry, and so therefore did I. He was just a wonderful human being.
Cindy Moore
June 26, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. God blessed me with knowing Jerry through our working on PEIMS through ESC 11. He was a great man and always willing to share his wisdom and expertise.
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