Mervyn LeRoy Criser

Mervyn LeRoy Criser, 83, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Dec. 24, 2017 following a 2 year battle with cancer. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 A.M., Friday, December 29, 2017, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by parents, C.O. Criser and Jane Criser Kennedy; son, Kent Criser; daughter, Kay Criser. Survived by wife, Marcia Criser; daughter-in-law, Linda Criser; granddaughter, Kasey Criser; grandson, Kenton Criser; half-sister, Donna (Ancil) Jennings and nephews, nieces, and cousins. Born on March 8, 1934, Mervyn grew up in Wichita, Kansas. Following graduation from Wichita North High School in 1953, he became a proud member of the U.S. Army, serving 2 years in Germany. After returning to the states, Mervyn began his career with the Wichita Fire Department where he served for 20 years and retired as a Lieutenant in 1976. Mervyn was also a founding member of the Kansas Firefighters Museum, a founding member of the Archives of the Wichita Fire Department, and a business owner. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, and for his strong work ethic, fun-loving humor, and generosity. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Kansas Firefighters Museum, 1300 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211; Wichita Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 49020, Wichita, KS 67201. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.