John Criswell Obituary

John Albert Criswell, 93, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, in Colorado. Born on May 13, 1932, in Phoenix, Arizona, John was the son of Lora and John Leonard Criswell. Raised in Colorado from infancy, he grew up with modest beginnings that shaped the discipline, humility, and work ethic that would define his life.

John graduated cum laude from the University of Denver College of Law in 1956, where he was a member of the Order of St. Ives and served as Student Work Editor of the law review. Shortly after graduation, he served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps, trying courts-martial as both prosecutor and defense counsel-an experience that refined his trial skills and deepened his commitment to justice.

Following his military service, John entered private practice, developing expertise in labor law, municipal law, civil rights litigation, and appellate advocacy. He served as City Attorney for Englewood, Colorado, and became widely respected for his analytical precision and dedication to principled legal reasoning.

In 1986, John was appointed by Governor Richard D. Lamm to the Colorado Court of Appeals, where he served with distinction. As a jurist, he was known for his deep respect for precedent, intellectual rigor, and carefully reasoned opinions in civil rights, constitutional, tort, and criminal law. His colleagues and clerks admired not only his sharp legal mind, but also his mentorship, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was a man of energy and wide-ranging interests. He loved skiing, hiking, cycling, birding, and traveling. He found joy in the mountains of Colorado and valued time spent outdoors as deeply as he valued his work.

On June 14, 1953, John married the love of his life, Ann Criswell. Their marriage endured for more than seven decades until Ann's passing in 2025. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and service.

John is survived by his children: Jeanne Criswell; Suzanne Frazier (Jack); Marianne Criswell; Carol Dodds (Guy); and John "Jack" Criswell. He was a proud grandfather to Lora Criswell, Dan Criswell (Joel), Katrina Criswell, Katelynn Criswell, Casey Criswell, Annie Criswell, Hannah Criswell, Amber Dodds, Savanna Dodds, Edward (Monica) Hable, and R.J. Hable. His family was his greatest joy and most enduring legacy.

John will be remembered as a distinguished jurist, a devoted husband and father, a mentor to many, and a man whose life reflected dignity, intellect, and quiet strength.