Vernon "Nonnie" Criss

Vernon “Nonnie” Criss, 80, of New Castle, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis. He was born on July 2, 1945, in New Castle, Indiana, a son of the late William Robert “Bob” and Bertha (Dempsey) Criss. Nonnie was a graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. On August 23, 1968, he married Pamela Kay Lewis in Muncie, and together they shared nearly 58 years of marriage. A lifelong hard worker, Nonnie retired from Chrysler Corporation in New Castle after more than 30 years of dedicated service. He was also a member of UAW Local 371 in New Castle. Nonnie had a deep love for antique furniture. He truly lived and breathed antiques, whether he was buying, selling, refinishing, or simply enjoying the hunt for a special piece. Through the years, he had booths at Webb's Antique Mall in Richmond and was a familiar face at the Springfield Antique Center in Ohio. He also enjoyed football and was a devoted Cleveland Browns fan. Those who knew Nonnie will remember a man who never knew a stranger. He had a generous heart and was always willing to put others before himself. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. While he could be a no-nonsense kind of man, he also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for telling stories. More than anything, Nonnie loved his family. As one of six siblings, family was always an important part of his life, and he was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Those left to cherish Nonnie’s memory include his wife, Pam Criss; his daughter, Shatawn Hennings of Mesa, AZ; his son, Shannon Criss (David Ott) of Indianapolis; two grandchildren, Brennen Hennings and Haileigh Hennings, both of Mesa, AZ; a great-grandson, Maxwell Hannah; his twin sister, Yvonne (Corwin) Henderson of Cincinnati, OH; his brother, William “Bill” Criss of New Castle; sisters, Marilyn Bassett of New Castle and Maribeth Essig of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Nonnie was preceded in death by a brother, Roderick “Butch” Criss. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Vernon “Nonnie” Criss.

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Vernon "Nonnie" Criss

July 2, 1945 - June 8, 2026