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John Wesley Crihfield of Harmony, passed away at home encircled by family on October 26, 2018, at the age of 88.
He was born June 20, 1930, in Jackson County, a son of Joseph W. and Bertha Good Crihfield, whom both preceded him in death.
He was a brother to 11 siblings, Hazel Westfall who preceded him in death, Della Mae Harris of Hartsville, Ohio, Darrell (Mildred) Crihfield of Gay, Arnold (Phillis) Crihfield of Cassopolis, Mich., Earl (Sharon) Crihfield of Kentuck, W.Va., Ron (Alta) Crihfield of Kentuck, W.Va., Mildred Crihfield of Ohio, and Reva Comer, Herman Crihfield, James Crihfield and Homer Crihfield, whom all preceded him in death.
He attended school until the third grade when his father, Joseph, was injured in a logging accident. Being the oldest boy of the family, he quit school to help manage the family farm.
In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army and spent 18 months serving overseas during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Delphia Fields, on January 2, 1960. Together they bought their first 180 acre tract of land and began farming. Soon their farm would grow to more than 600 acres with their family growing with it. They were blessed with six children, Carlos Crihfield whom preceded him in death, Dianna (Benny) Carpenter of Harmony, Vicki (Dave) Withers of Spencer; Angie (Jim) Henderson of Charleston, Andy (Cindy) Crihfield of Harmony and Tim (Rachel) Crihfield of Harmony, all whom helped with the family business.
He was instrumental in the creation of the Farmer's Market at its inception on July 5, 1977, and he continued to work the now Capital Market until this summer. His sons Andy and Tim continue his legacy to this day.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, often catching more fish than anyone else. Cards and Dominoes were also some of his favorite indoor past times. He was an active member of the Aplin Methodist Church.
Neighbors and friends often became family on the farm, such as Joey (Diane) Rhodes, Jackie (Barb) Fields, Diana (Jay) Rhodes, a special caregiver Kirk Epling, Marietta Hall, Eric Kampsnider and Valerie Coleman. And even in his weakened state, John would recite Shorty (Deloris) Casto's phone number by memory, a skill lost on today's generation.
He loved spending time with family and with his 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with one on the way. Family was always around. His grandchildren include Nathan (Belinda) Carpenter, James (Jessica) Carpenter, Justin (Elizabeth) Epling, Chelsea (Harry) Ellison, Jon Eric Kampsnider, Kristopher Kampsnider, Michael Henderson, Cory Crihfield, Morgan Higginbotham, Hannah Higginbotham and fiancée Quentin Corbitt, Emily (Alex) Ashley, Isiah Crihfield, Leah Crihfield, Marjean Withers and Jamirose (Sabrina) Mickey; great-grandchildren, Chloe Carpenter, Amelia Carpenter, Bradley Epling, Bexleigh Mickey, Carter Crihfield and Baby Carpenter.
His countenance was always cheerful and a whistling hymn could often be heard. His hands were rough and likely dirty, and his heart was always full. He worked from before day break, wouldn't quit till after dark. His eyes were as blue as the sky and they rarely missed their mark. He lived and left an example of what we are supposed to be, kind, hardworking and generous are just some of his qualities.
He always loved his family, right from the very start. And it is unfortunate that we must part. But we will meet another day, for Jesus is in our hearts.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, with Pastor Danny Cummings officiating. Burial with Military rights provided by the Jackson County Honor Guard will be in the Rhodes Cemetery, Harmony. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 29, at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com
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