Reverend John Edward Criss

In God’s perfect timing on August 21, 2025, Reverend John Edward Criss, 62, of Canton, Ohio, was called to Heaven. Though we grieve his passing, we find peace that he is now in the presence of the One he faithfully served.

Born on September 1, 1962, in Canton, Ohio, John was the tenth child of Reverend Edgar Calvin and Geneva Criss. From a young age, he felt the Lord’s hand on his life and accepted the call to preach the gospel at the age of fourteen. In his forty-four years of ministry, he became an ordained minister, was a church planter, evangelist, and pastor. His ministry was marked by integrity, a deep love for truth, and teaching the Word of God.

As a dreamer, he used his gifts as a professional painter, craftsman, and musician to beautify and establish places of worship. Beyond the pulpit, John was known for his endless stories, joke telling, lighthearted teasing, strong opinions, firm handshake, and generosity. A true friend and mentor, he blessed family, friends, and anyone in need with his time, service, and talents. He was a natural conversationalist who welcomed people into his life with a cup of coffee, an encouraging word, and sometimes even a lively debate. He filled his home with laughter, life, and joy as a dedicated husband and loving father.

His memory will be treasured by his beautiful wife of 38 years, Pamela; his children Nichole (Tyler) Sullivan, and Jacob Criss; his siblings Deborah (Randy) Neff, Carol (Roger) Lambert, Sharon (Tom) Jackson, Larry (Cheryl) Criss, Barbara Lambert, Judy Little, Brenda (Brian) Starcher, Daniel (Rebecca) Criss, and Bryan Snyder; as well as cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Karen Kirby and Joyce Stevenson.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, August 28, 2025, during the calling hours of 11am to 1pm at Paquelet Funeral Home. A celebration of his life and ministry will be held at New Life Massillon on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6pm, with calling hours beginning at 5pm.

We find hope in knowing that John has heard the words he often quoted, “Well done, good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”