Typed and spelled as written

Barbara (Caddell) Fox

June 9, 1963
(newspaper clipping in Criswell Cemetery Association Minutes)


Large Crowd Present at Annual Criswell Cemetery Homecoming

     The twelfth annual Criswell Cemetery Association Memorial Homecoming Day was held Sunday, June 9, at the Criswell community center.

     A large crowd attended from various parts of the state, and some outside the state.  The person coming the longest distance was Mrs. Lillie Garland from Oklahoma City, and the oldest person attending was Mrs. Alice Stone from Waco.

     The cemetery was clean and profuse with flowers, both fresh and artificial.  The new steel fence around the cemetery adds to its attractiveness.

     At 11 a.m. a program was presented under the direction of Mrs. George Stone.  Thomas Criswell was in charge of the congregational singing, and Mrs. Aubrey Stone was pianist.

     The welcoming address was given by Mrs. Donald Sandhoff.  The response was by Betty Broxton.

     Mrs. Jane Baron sang “Near to the Heart of God,” and “Don’t Take Your Eyes Off the Savior,” accompanied by Miss Judy Baron.

     Mrs. Aubrey Stone presented a piano medley of sacred music, “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “In the Garden,” and “Precious Memories.”

     Rev. Freddie Wolf and daughter sang “Mansions on the Hilltop,” accompanied by Doris Green at the piano.

     A memorial reading “Someone Will Take My Place,” was given by David Broxton.

     The mortuary list was read by O. N. Campbell, which included the names of Mrs. Henry Lawrence, Jimmy Hall, Jim Simmons, Alvie Walts, William Absher and Miss Ima Caddell.

     A memorial prayer was led by A. J. Wolf.  The memorial address was delivered by Rev. P. J. Brown.  The invocation was given by Rev. Freddie Wolf.  At noon, a basket lunch was served on tables under shade trees.

     After lunch, congregational singing and special singing was enjoyed.  Special singers were Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Watkins, Mrs. Milton Mears, Rev. Freddie Wolf and daughter, and others.  Accompanist at the piano were Mrs. P. J. Brown, Doris Green and Mrs. Aubrey Stone.

     In the absence of the president, C. A. McCoy, the business meeting was presided over by Thomas Criswell.  The secretary read the minutes and gave the treasurer’s report.  Contributions were made for the upkeep of the cemetery.

     Due to the health of the president, Mr. McCoy, and the business manager, C. C. Stone, they asked that their names not be placed for re-election.  

Officers elected were:  President, Thomas Criswell; vice president, J. L. Caddell; business manager, A. W. Walts; secretary - treasurer, Mrs. Chester Tate; program chairman, Mrs. George Stone.  Directors:  Elmer Smith, A. W. Walts, J. L. Caddell, Fred Broxton, A. J. Wolf, W. N. Stone and Thomas Criswell.