Community Bible Study

Criss Lawrence

Criss Lawrence was an excited man. He loved the Word of God and was excited about teaching the CBS Evening class in Scottsdale, Arizona.

On Tuesday, October 5, 2004, Criss, 65, died peacefully at home in Scottsdale, Arizona after a courageous battle against cancer. He was born February 5, 1939 in Denver, Colorado, graduated from high school in Manlius, New York, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Colgate University.

Criss was a pilot with the United States Air Force from 1962-1971 and flew 100 missions in the F-105 over North Vietnam in 1967. He has lived in Arizona for the past 40 years, where he was actively involved with the Boy Scouts, retiring from serving in that organization after 25 years. During his tenure, 100 boys reached Eagle Scout, the highest honor in scouting. This June, knowing he had only a few months to live, Criss led a 10-day scout trip into the Boundary Water Canoe area of Canada. He loved the outdoors and helping young boys grow physically, mentally and spiritually.

After attending a Lutheran Cursillo in 1978, Criss surrendered his heart to Jesus. His spiritual life took off, never to touch ground again. He was involved in helping start a Bible Study Fellowship class in Phoenix, in which he served as a Discussion Leader for many years.

In 1985 he was among the original group of men who prayed to start a CBS class in Phoenix. He served as a Core Leader in the Phoenix class until 1998 when a new evening class was forming in Scottsdale. Criss was involved in the original prayer group and was called by the Lord to the position of Associate Teaching Director. The group attended the CBS training session and the men's class was launched. Three weeks later, the Teaching Director was transferred and Criss stepped into that position. He was a gifted teacher and looked for every opportunity to tell others of God's love and get them into the study of His Word.

Criss is survived by his wife, Judy, who has been involved with CBS for over 20 years, his daughter Debra Lynn Wilkins and her husband Casey, son Michael and his wife Perri and daughter Catherine Epps and her husband Jake. His grandchildren are Dalton and Janelle Wilkins; Audrey, Ben and David Lawrence.

Criss was a man's man who loved and lived life to the fullest. His life here was abundant, but He was ready and excited to go home to be with the Lord he loved and served.

Community Bible Study has lost a wonderful servant leader, but the fruit of his life of service will live on in the lives of the ones he shepherded and taught.