Ted "Gene" Criswell,65, of Grinnell died June 5, 2008 in the home of his daughter in Danville, Iowa. Kim, her husband and children comforted Gene daily, and opened their home to all family and friends to be with him during his last days and at the time of his passing. Gene was born October 26, 1942 to Ted and Mamie Lillian Asberry Criswell. He was raised in Grinnell and attended Grinnell Schools. He was married to Janet Sue Griffith on October 26, 1963, in Washington D.C. and they later divorced. He did not remarry. Gene served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959-1963 stationed at Andrews AF Base Washington D.C. In 1963 he worked with JFK's plane by driving a follow me truck. In 1964 and 1970, he helped build airplanes after completing his service to our country. In 1965 he opened and ran his own service station, and has always been a well known truck driver from 1964 - 2008. Throughout these 44 years of driving he helped, touched and became a special part of many peoples lives. Gene had been a member of the American Eagles and National Rifle Association. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend who taught us all to love one another unconditionally, and live life to the fullest. He enjoyed auctions and his collectibles, baseball, and watching NASCAR racing, and sitting around talking with friends and family. Gene is survived by his children, Suzanne (Ron) Garrels of Hedrick, Iowa, Ted (Rebecca) Criswell of Richland, Iowa, Rebecca (Robert) Grubbs of Douds, Iowa, and Kim (Mike) May of Danville, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; and his brother William "Bill" Carl (Addie May) Criswell of Lincoln, NE; sister Eva (Carl) Burnley of Lynchburg, VA; sister Ruby (Charles) Douglas of Grinnell, IA, eleven nieces and two nephews, and special friend Maxine Metz, her son Craig and her grandson of Grinnell, IA. Gene was preceeded in death by his parents; four sisters who died in infancy; and a great niece and a great nephew. Memorials may be directed to the Ted "Gene" Criswell Memorial Fund.