Mr. Charles Ethridge Crippen's Obituary
Charles Ethridge Crippen, 76, of Houston, Texas, passed away August 13, 2011, at MD Anderson hospital after a two year battle with cancer. He was born February 18, 1935, in Lilbert, Texas, son of the late John Dee and Mildred Crippen. Charles was the oldest of five siblings and grew up with the nickname "Popeye". He attended and graduated Athens High School and then, on June 11, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Fannie Jane "Janie" Richardson. (Thank you, Freda Davis.) Together they built a wonderful life and he is now survived by his loving wife of 57 years; two children and their spouses, Cathy Elaine and husband Les Hansen, John Mark and wife Toni Crippen; grandchildren, Amanda Dyane Stubblefield, Jonathan Brandt Hansen and Megan Elizabeth Crippen; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Ryan Stubblefield, Jayden Charles Stubblefield and Joshua Lee Stubblefield; siblings, Doris Marie Reeves, Valley David Crippen and wife Pat, Johnny Douglass Crippen and wife Connie; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Susan "Aunt Coonie" Jedlicka. Charles led a full life. He worked in geophysical technology, as an IBM service technician, wrote training and repair manuals for Texas Instruments, was a radio announcer and a teacher of all facets of electronics. At age 60 he decided to retire and take on a part time job that was more of a social event, when and where he chose. In addition to his work, he was a humble and consummate musician. Charles' most favorite of all artists was Chet Atkins to whom the children occasionally referred to as "God". Charles was fortunate enough to have employment that took him around the world and he continued his travels well after retirement. He also could boast that he traveled abroad with each child and grandchild. Prior to his death, he commented that he had traveled to all continents with the exception of Africa and Antarctica. Most significant of events was his baptism in the Jordan River. Charles was nothing if not a creature of habit. He loved Dairy Queen, old western movies, NCIS, JAG, Are You Being Served, ice cream, Long John Silvers, Chinese Food, red hots, and was devout Republican and staunch conservative. More than that, he loved his family beyond imagination...and this only increased with each generation. Charles was a committed man of God. His faith was as much a part of him as any facet. Church attendance was a part of his life from early childhood and maintained throughout. He served in a number of capacities in addition to his contribution to service music with his singing and guitar playing. He studied his Bible regularly. He and his wife read four chapters each day for a number years. He led his family, raised his children and displayed to others a life of commitment and service to our Lord. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday August 16, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Southview Baptist Church, 23003 Texas 288, Rosharon, Texas. Friends are asked to gather at the church, beginning at 9:00 a.m. that day. Committal services will be held Tuesday evening at 5:00 p.m. at Davis Cemetery near Baxter, Texas. For any guests planning to join us in Baxter, we will not be proceeding in procession. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family has asked that donations be made in Mr. Crippen's honor to Southview Baptist Church or to www.gideons.org.
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