Vernie Ray Criswell, 74, of Delphi, passed away at 5:07 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Vernie was born on February 25, 1952, in Idaville, Indiana to the late Glenn and Nettie (Whiteman) Criswell. He graduated from Twin Lakes High School in 1970, and on August 28, 1971, he married the love of his life, Vicki Crawn. She survives in Delphi.

Vernie was a man who loved to work, create, explore and stay busy. For more than 50 years, Vernie was a self-employed general contractor, a career that was a perfect fit for someone who always seemed to have a project in mind. He had also farmed in Carroll County for many years.

Vernie’s faith was an important part of his life. He attended Hickory Grove Church, where he sang on the praise team and was always willing to lend a hand.

He had a tremendous love for the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, gardening and running, raspberry picking and mushroom hunting. He was also a beekeeper. And just recently, he had purchased a sawmill, already dreaming up things he could build.

Vernie’s legacy will live on in the things he built, the people he helped, the faith he shared, the land he worked, and memories made along the way.

Along with his wife, Vicki, he is survived by two sons, Phil Criswell of Indianapolis, Eric Criswell (wife, Kimberly) of Ft. Wayne; Hans Schmitter (wife, Lufi) of Portugal, who was loved as one of the family; chosen daughters, Julie Wise (husand, Matt) and Sarah Kline (husband, Dave); two brothers, Bill Criswell of Idaville and Bernie Criswell (wife, Sandy) of Tennessee; grandchildren, Jacob Criswell (wife, McKenna) of Ft. Wayne, Alexia Law (husband, Pell) of Ft. Wayne, Anya Schmitter, MayraSchmitter and Johan Schmitter; one great granddaughter, Mae Law; sister in law, Linda Criswell of Boswell and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ronald Criswell and David Criswell and two sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Sondra Criswell.

Visitation will be held at Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home in Monticello on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4:00p.m. until 8:00p.m.

Funeral services for Vernie will be on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Grove Church in Delphi with Pastor Adam Morris officiating.

Burial will follow at Hickory Grove cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Hickory Grove Cemetery Association.