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In memory of

Michael Lanyard Criddell

Houston, TX, USA

December 17, 1941 - November 10, 2020

Dec 17, 1941 - Nov 10, 2020

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Michael Lanyard Criddell was born on December 17, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Lillian Mardell and Charles Criddell. His sweet mother passed away when Michael was only three years old. Michael and sister Margaret were raised by his grandmother, Lillian Griggs Johnson, who preceded him in death. On November 10th, 2020 - the 245th birthday of the Marine Corps - the proud Marine went home to be with his heavenly Father. He fought the good fight with so much love, laughter, and honor.
Michael received his formal education at Chicago Vocational High School. He had a unique style in architectural design and continued to develop his award-winning gift in Architectural Design at Chicago Art Institute. He was also a gifted portrait artist. When the Viet Nam war was imminent, Mike boldly answered the call to serve his country through service in the United States Marine Corps. There he learned to say, "Semper Fi, HooRah!" He was quickly ushered from the familiar streets of the Southside of Chicago to boot camp and straight into the war torn jungle. Vietnam left him with a severe jungle rot, multiple side effects from Agent Orange exposure, and a concussion from an explosion. It also left him with the pervasive nightmares of PTSD. We are sure you have heard all of the vivid war stories he loved to tell. In return, for enduring such terrible trauma with deep faith and bravery, God gave Mike his love “at first sight,” Mattie B. Thornton - the center of his sweetest story. He often credited her with saving his life and healing his soul. They were wed on December 21st, 1969, in Chicago. Mattie and Mike were married for almost 51 years, and had three children and seven grandchildren.
They settled in Chicago and Mike began his sales career with Continental Baking (Hostess Cakes). In his endeavor for a better, safer life for his family, to extend his sales career he moved his family to Houston, Texas in 1980. As soon as he arrived in town, he found a job and went straight to work. He worked in the oil, gas, and chemical industry for several fortune 500 companies. This move allowed him to travel and do business in the Caribbean Basin, Venezuela, and Trinidad & Tobago. During this time he also founded Criddell & Associates Business Development Consultants. Through Criddell & Associates he conducted workshops, seminars and motivational speaking to assists other companies in the development of international business. In addition, to meet the demands of a growing family Mike created a position for himself in the Houston Independent School District as a District Liaison and fundraiser for special projects. He raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and was affectionately known as "Show Me the Money" by his fellow HISD colleagues. Mike retired from HISD in 2010.
Mike surrendered his life to Christ at an early age at the historical Ebenezer church of Chicago. His grandmother loved to hear him sing "I Surrender All" in the church choir. The catalyst for his true spiritual development came after he and Mattie joined Brookhollow Baptist (The Church Without Walls) under the preaching and teaching of Pastor Ralph Douglas West. He served in several ministries but gave his heart and soul as the coordinator of the Military Ministry. He also developed a passion for mentoring the young men of the church - sharing his wisdom in being a loving supportive husband and father. He set the bar high for them but also bolstered them in prayer and accountability. The respect and admiration he received from the band of men who called him "Pops" is greatly deserved. Mike was a man of great faith. Throughout his life his faith caused him to trust in God and not lean on his own understanding.
Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves to cherish him in life his wife Mattie (Ti), his children Mardell, Michael Andre, Monique, seven grandchildren - Evan, Brandon, Tylin, Carey, Madeline, Myka, and Jesse. He also leaves behind his daughter- in-law Griselda Criddell and son-in-law, James Hoskins as well as his sister, Margaret Taylor (Cookie), her daughter Margaret Lorraine Taylor, and host of family members who reside in the Midwest.

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