Melvin Criddle

Melvin George Criddle passed away peacefully at the family home in Fruit Heights, UT on Friday, February 12, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born the second son of James Alvin Criddle and Vesta LaVon Salvesen in Downey, ID. He grew up on the family farm in Downey, ID. He lost his mother at the tender age of eight but was blessed to have a 2nd mother Bessie Jensen who raised him to be a wonderful man. He served in the Navy during World War II.

He served a mission to the Western States in 1946-1948 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married his sweetheart Sherry Donne Christiansen on June 6, 1950 in the Logan Utah Temple. Their time together here lasted nearly 60 years, she preceded him in death by six years and one month—he was waiting impatiently for her to come get him. Together Again! They raised eight wonderful children together: Michael (Lynne), Julie Davidson (Brad), Carolyn, Ronald (Deborah), Kent, Diana Coatney (Tom), Stephen (Audrey), and Kevin (Laurie). He and Sherry were blessed with 32 grandchildren and have delighted in 58 great-grandchildren so far. Two grandchildren and one great-grandson have preceded him to heaven, Bryan, Kristine, and Brycen.

For the last 48 years he has lived in the Kaysville and Fruit Heights, UT area. He and Sherry retired from Hill Air Force Base after over 20 years of service. Since then they have enjoyed traveling about the country. Melvin served in many church callings and he and Sherry served a mission to the Texas Corpus Christi Mission for the LDS Church and served in both the Ogden and Bountiful, UT Temples.

He is survived by his seven brothers and sisters: Dale James, Max “J”, Connie, Carol, Jean, Keith and Clyde. Melvin loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. His family expresses their heartfelt thanks to Carli and Joey from Alpha Hospice for their compassionate care during Melvin’s last weeks and the Brethren of the Fruit Heights 4th Ward High Priests Group who faithfully sat with him these last months.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Country Lane Chapel, 24 S. Country Lane, Fruit Heights. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Downey Cemetery, Downey, ID at 4 p.m.

He will always be loved by his family who look forward to the many joyful reunions in eternal realms on high.