Pastor Henry F. Crippen, 86 of Granite City, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Christian North East Hospital in St. Louis.
Henry was born on December 20, 1933 in Mounds, IL; the son of the late Olin and Marie (Fisher) Crippen. Henry was the lead pastor of Word of Life Tabernacle in Granite City for over 60 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and in his free time, Henry enjoyed his days of feeding wild life around his home, starting a good fire, guns, art and paintings and was always known to joke around with family and friends. He loved people and loved to help people anyway he could and will be remembered for the countless people he ministered to over the many years he served as lead pastor. Pastor loved his family and the Lord and had such a kind and generous heart to all he met.
Henry is survived by and will be missed by his wife; Cathy (Sanders) Crippen, whom he married on December 6, 2002; his children, Brian Crippen Sr. of St. Louis, MO, Lisa and James Cochran of Granite City, Rebecca and Rocky Smith of Granite City; grandchildren, Olivia Foster, Brian and Veronica Crippen Jr., Nicholas Crippen, Isabella Crippen, Bethany Ellis, Rhiannon Smith, Rayley Smith; great-grandchildren, Noah Crippen, Madelyn Crippen, Briley Crippen, Henry Crippen and numerous other close family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his son; Richard Allen Crippen and his grandson Sean Crippen; former wife, Bobbie Crippen.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 6:00 p.m. at Word of Life Tabernacle with Dr. Don Jones and Pastor Brian Crippen officiating. A private family burial will follow on Thursday, December 10, 2020 with full military rites at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorial donations are suggested to Word of Life Tabernacle, 4870 Maryville Road in Granite City. Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City is serving the family.
