John W. Criss

John W. Criss, 86, of Elyria, died Monday, April 19, 2021. He was born July 2, 1934 in Steubenville, Ohio and was a 1952 graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School. From 1954-1958, John served with the United States Air Force and then received a BS in Business Administration from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in 1961. He moved to Elyria in 1973 and was employed as a drapery buyer for May Company in Cleveland and then as carpet and drapery manager for C.H. Merthe Company, Elyria for 12 years. He had also owned and operated House of Draperies and Criss Interiors and worked as an estimator at Firelands Floors and Carpet Warehouse Outlet, until retiring in 1999. John was a member of St. Jude Church, Elyria and St. Jude Men's Club, Elyria American Legion Post 12 and Elyria Amvets Post 32. He served on the board of directors for Lorain County Builders Association and Building Industries. He was a three time past president of Elyria Merchants Association and a former chairman of the Elyria Holiday Parade. For 13 years, he was a manager and coach for Little League North and Little League East. His passion was golfing with his cherished friends. He was a former member of Spring Valley Country Club, served on the board of Lorain County Golf Association and as handicap chairman for over 350 members and was on the committee for Avondale Men's Golf Club. John enjoyed sports, especially the Cleveland Browns and Indians and OSU. While in the Air Force and college, he participated in fast-pitch softball. Other interests included playing pool, table tennis, bridge and card games with his family. John and Ann traveled extensively throughout the United States including Hawaii and Alaska, Europe, South America and the Caribbean. John is survived his wife of 59 years and the love of his life, Ann (nee Wright); sons, Michael (Vonna) Criss of Elyria, John (April) Criss, Jr. of North Canton and David (Rebecca) Criss of Sylvania; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Criss. Friends will be received Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the time of a 12 Noon service at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria with The Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem officiating. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery. Covid-19 precautions will be observed, face masks are required. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com