Tributes

Herman M. Crider was born to Virginia Lark Crider and Czerney James Crider, Sr. August 18, 1937. He was the 8th of 14 children. He grew up in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia and was a very mischievous young man always full of pranks. Crider decided to enlist in the United States Air Force, unbeknownst to his mother, but only served two years. On February 1, 1956, he was honorably discharged, he decided the military was not for him. After leaving the military he decided to attend Oakwood College and major in religion. He met Mattie Gipson, and they were married on September 6, 1959. Three children Debra, Barbara and Czerney (Zack) were born to this union. He has three grandchildren: Camesia, Chevon and Chanda, and three great grandchildren: Keyetta, Kevonna and Keith. Three seems to be the perfect number. Elder Crider began his ministry in the Southwest Region Conference where he served as a pastor for 39 years. His first assignment was in Hammond, Louisiana at Emmanuel where he served as both pastor and teacher. Over his years of service, he pastored the churches of the Lake Charles and New Orleans districts of Louisiana. In Texas he was an Associate Pastor of Dallas City Temple and Pastor of the churches in San Antonio, Austin, Texarkana, and Tyler areas. Oklahoma churches he led include the Tulsa and Oklahoma City districts. Pastor Crider retired from Southwest Region Conference in 2002. During his 39 years of ministry Elder Crider was not only a blessing to his parishioners but a mentor to several young ministers in the Southwest Region Conference and to other pastors scattered throughout the United States. Preaching was not the only job he held during his ministry. He was a teacher, construction worker, babysitter and campground overseer, pestering children and adults along the way. Pastor Crider was instrumental in church growth having baptized many souls for Christ, including two of his three granddaughters. He helped to grow churches and built or obtained new places of worship. He is truly loved by many, and many have stories to tell of how Pastor Crider enriched, enlightened, and helped them grow in their spiritual walk. Although he was serious about his relationship and love for the Lord, those of us who truly knew him have encountered his humorous and prankster side as well. He had a way of looking at you that would make you run if you didn’t know it was his joking face. Pastor had a very playful spirit, which truly made you want to know more about what he had to say. He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Mattie Louise Crider; three children, Debra, Barbara (Allen) and Czerney ‘Zack’; three grandchildren, Camesia, Chevon and Chanda; three great grandchildren, Keyetta, Kevonna and Keith; one brother, James ‘Jack’; three sisters, Georgiana ‘Ann’, Tabitha 'Eunice' and Joyce ‘Jeanean’; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends are invited to join us for a viewing/reflection service Sunday, March 12th, 4pm – 6pm, at Ephesus SDA church, 4123 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78220. We know that many of you will no doubt have memories to share and/or want to pay your respects. This time frame will be open to anyone who would like to share. The Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 13th at 11:30am, at Ephesus SDA church, 4123 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78220; followed by the committal service at Mission Retama Cemetery, 15940 Lookout Road, San Antonio, TX 78202. After the internment, family and friends are welcome to join us at Second Baptist Church for the repast, 2pm – 4pm; 3310 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Moving Southwest Forward. In the memo line please write Pastor H.M. Crider Education Memorial Gift so that the funds can be designated to support education.

Tributes

Herman M. Crider

August 18, 1937 - February 26, 2023