1Sg Gene Criss, Us Army, Ret.

Gene Criss, age 77, of Copperas Cove passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon on Monday, March 6, 2017, at  Scott's Funeral Home of Copperas Cove with burial following at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM on Sunday.

Gene was born on November 7, 1939, in Prudence, WV to Glennie and Helen Criss. He graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1957 and joined the United States Army in 1958. Gene served for 24 years. He served three tours in Germany, where he met his wife Margot Hose. They later married on December 4, 1964, in Virginia. He also served one tour in Vietnam and earned many medals including, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and  Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Army Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC), Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 2).After his retirement, he worked for Civil Service at Darnall Army Hospital for another 20 years.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bobby Criss; two sisters and one brother.

Gene is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margot Criss; daughter, Peggy Hadder and husband, John of Kempner; grandson, Delano Criss of Copperas Cove; granddaughter, Cayla Connell of Arkansas; siblings, Joseph Criss and wife, Janice of Hilltop, WV, Carl Criss of Harvey, WV, Barbara Anders and husband, Buddie of Prince-Wick, WV, Caroll Horten of Fayetteville, WV, Lorena Dilly of Prudence, WV; a aunt, Louise Morrison of Prudence, WV; sister-in-law, Erika Hose of Germany and a host of nieces and nephews.