This is a testimonial
on my younger
brother Donald L.
Criss who died on
Friday, October 5,
2018.
Political office
and the Episcopal
Church have been
part of my family
since the beginning
of the new world.
Edward Gurganey,
a settler came to the
Jamestown Colony
in the early 1600’s.
Edward, on my mother’s side, was a direct ancestor to
Donnie and me. He was a member of the first church
built in the new world and was an elected member of
the first government, the Representative Legislative
Assembly. That Legislature’s meetings were held in
that first church, and Episcopal one. Captain John
Smith was a member. Also Pocahontas, the Indian
princess who later became a Christian, was married
in that church to John Rolfe in 1614.
My brother Donnie served as an elected member of
the College of the Mainland Board for several terms.
Don was a staunch employee advocate and a strong
advocate of the COM union member ship.
He was a good brother and a great father and
grandfather. Through the years he was a 100 % supporter
of union and Democratic Party causes.
In my brother’s lifetime he committed
his share of sins and made
his share of mistakes. In his earlier
adulthood he had a serious battle
with alcohol.
Through his courage, belief in Jesus
Christ and membership in Alcoholic
Anonymous he achieved victory
over alcohol.
Generally I became greatly concerned
when someone I know becomes
terminally ill. According to bible
scripture every human being has
external existence. I want everyone
to make the right decisions and enjoy
eternity in heavenly paradise.
Donnie was baptized at Grace
Episcopal Church in Galveston and
confirmed at St. George’s Church in
Texas City where he served as an altar
boy.
My brother knew of God’s existence
for almost his entire life. He
was a strong believer in Jesus Christ
and had through knowledge regarding
bible scripture.
This has eased my grief. He is in
heaven with Jesus Christ, my parents
and those who believed Jesus Christ
died on the cross for the sins of the
world.
Lloyd Criss
