Clara Criswell

Clara A. Hicks Criswell, age 72, of New Castle, went home to be home with the Lord Monday, September 27, 2010 at Glen Oaks Health Campus following an extended illness. She was born August 26, 1938 in Clinton County, Kentucky to the late Marvin and Ellen (Baldock) Wray.

She was a 1957 graduate of Clinton County High School. Clara attended the Southside Church of the Nazarene in New Castle. She had worked several places in New Castle including Becker Brothers, Huntington Industries, and Henry County Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Rev. William K. “Bill” Hicks; her parents; a sister, Cora Morgan, and three brothers, Bruce, Andy, and John Wray.

She is survived by her present husband Rex Criswell of New Castle; three children, Vicki (husband, Phil) Mann of Yorktown, Jeff (wife, Darla) Hicks of Springfield, MO and Mike (wife, Christy) Hicks of Markleville; five granddaughters; April Beck of New Castle, Andrea (husband: Jeff) Denney of Mooreland, Jordyn Hicks and Micayla Hicks, both of Markleville, Katelyn Hicks of Springfield MO; two grandsons, Bradley Hicks of Springfield, MO, Tyler Ference of Markleville; two great granddaughters, Kaylyn and Kendra Denney; a sister, Mary Lee (husband: Norman) Holt of Winchester, three stepsons, Don (wife, Beth) Criswell of New Castle, Rex Jr. (wife, Kathy) Criswell of New Castle and David (wife, Stephanie) Criswell of Bloomington; eleven step grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverends David Perry and Mike Dees officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the funeral home and from noon until time of service Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Henry County Cancer Society with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .