[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              HONORING AND REMEMBERING JUDGE LOYS CRISWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Judge Loys Criswell, soldier of justice in the State of Oklahoma, 
farmer, beloved husband, father, and friend to many.
  A life-long resident of Oklahoma, Judge Criswell grew up in the town 
of Duke during the difficult years of the Great Depression. During his 
formative years, violence and shoot-outs were commonplace along the 
streets of Duke, and justice and accountability were non-existent. 
Judge Criswell lost several relatives and friends in these conflicts. 
So impactful were the events of his youth that Mr. Criswell dedicated 
his entire adult life to administering justice, and offering hope and 
rehabilitation to offenders.
  Judge Criswell was also committed to social justice issues and equal 
opportunity for everyone. When he learned of the plight of the babies 
of Mexican migrant workers dying from dysentery, Judge Criswell sprung 
into action and assisted the Southwest Oklahoma Migrant Ministry in 
developing better housing and improved conditions for migrant workers.
  As a highly effective prosecutor and later a juvenile and family 
judge for many years, Judge Criswell's keen understanding of the 
history and nuances of our intricate legal system, along with his 
strong sense of justice--tempered by compassion and his belief in 
redemption for offenders--profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of 
individuals and families, and helped improve the overall quality of 
life for everyone within his region of Oklahoma. As county attorney in 
Altus, Mr. Criswell eliminated close to twenty illegal operations in 
the county, and in other rural parts of the area. His intelligence and 
unwavering belief in the American judicial system were unmatched by 
none, as was his deep sense of compassion for everyone who stood before 
him within the walls of his courtroom. Personally and professionally, 
Judge Criswell was a man of integrity, character, kindness and ideals. 
He was a brilliant man with an ever-hopeful heart, and an ever-humble 
spirit. Judge Criswell was bestowed with many awards and accolades for 
his brilliant work, yet he always shied away from praise and accolades.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of my friend and mentor, Judge Loys Criswell, who will be deeply missed 
by all who knew him. He was a man of vision, a scholar, a farmer and 
seeker of truth. And above all else, Judge Criswell was a man who 
possessed a heart as expansive and true as the rolling farms of 
Oklahoma. Judge Criswell dedicated his life to justice and positive 
change and consistently reached out to members of his community. I 
extend my deepest condolences to Judge Criswell's beloved wife Edna, 
and beloved daughter, Beverly. Judge Loys Criswell's life has made a 
true and significant difference in the lives of many--in Oklahoma, and 
in places beyond, and his spirit and legacy will live on forever.

                          ____________________