Typed and spelled as written

Barbara (Caddell) Fox

The Marlin Daily Democrat
Wednesday, June 11, 1975
Marlin, Texas
(newspaper clipping in Criswell Cemetery Association Minutes)


Criswell Association Holds 24th Meeting

     The 24th annual meeting of the Criswell Cemetery Association Homecoming was held Sunday, June 8, at the Criswell Community Center.  A large crowd was in attendance from all over the state.

     The cemetery was cleaned and the individual family plots were honored with both fresh and artificial flowers.  The floral arrangements for the auditorium were furnished by Mrs. C. C. Stone, Mrs. Alta Caddell and Mrs. G. W. Stone.

     Some recognitions were made.  Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Clonts of Knox City, and their family, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Clonts and family from Houston, were recognized as the ones coming the farthest distance to attend.  Mrs. Eva Grisham of Waco, was honored with a corsage as the oldest person present.

     Activities for the day began at 11a.m., with Thomas Criswell as master of ceremonies.  Mrs. George Stone, program chairman, and Mrs. Aubrey Stone as pianist.  Mr. Criswell was in charge of the congregational singing “At The Cross” and “Count Your Blessings.”

     Criswell, president of the cemetery association, welcomed the visitors and commended the directors and members for their cooperation.  A prayer was given by Louie Hicks of Waco.  The welcome address was presented by Deanna Brown.  Special songs “Besides Still Waters” was sung by Philip Weathers and “How Great Thou Art” by Cara Sue Caddell.

     The mortuary list, read by Mrs. Jewel Rucker of Dallas, included the names of persons who had died since the last reunion and had connections with the association.  They are:  Mrs. Darthy Stone, Mrs. Chester Tate, Miss Lillie Mae McKinley, Claud Baughn, Mrs. Eli Kay, Ray Doyle Powers, Bill Hebbe, Robert Stone, Wesley Dewvall, Mrs. Evelyn Dabney, and Mrs. Lela Mae Jolke.

     A reading “In Memory” was given by Mrs. Ora Breed, and a special song, “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus” by Hicks.

     The memorial address was given by the Rev. James Densman, pastor of the Navarro Mills Baptist Church.  The Benediction was by Louie Wolf of Eddy.  At noon, a basket lunch was served on tables under the shade trees.

     At 1:30 p.m. a sing-song was held, followed by a business meeting presided over by Criswell.  Leldon Grisham, of Waco, reported on the trust fund.

     The reading of the minutes was by Mrs. Martha LeNoir and the treasurer’s report by Mrs. C. C. Stone.  Four directors were elected:  James Densman was elected to serve a two year term, and Leldon Grisham, Arley Wayne Walts and T. E. Criswell were elected to serve 3 years each.

     Plans were made to paint the inside of the community center building.

     Donations were made for the upkeep of the cemetery, community center building and the grounds.