Karl Bowman Criddle never met anyone he didn’t want to talk to. He made fast friends with anyone who would spend a little time visiting with him. He loved his home in Downey and roamed the town visiting with all his buddies. His presence will be greatly missed. On the morning of April 11, 2019 Karl suffered a stroke that would hasten the end of his wonderful life. Karl passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at his home.

Karl was born February 27th, 1969 at the hospital in Downey, Idaho. He was the 10th and final child of J. Dale and Kathleen Bowman Criddle. The family quickly realized what a special child he was. He brought joy and happiness to his family and his community. Karl was always a loving child and freely gave hugs to all. When he went with his mother to quilting activities, he would go around the quilt giving hugs to all the ladies. He never missed an opportunity to tell the women in his life how beautiful they were.

Karl started his formal education at the Downey Elementary School and progressed through the special education program, which he completed and received his High School diploma from Marsh Valley High School in May 1989. Karl loved to learn. Some of the special skills which Karl learned were to read, write and do sign language. Karl was fond of the biographies of the prophets, he loved to write notes and letters to family and friends and after his stroke used sign language to communicate with family, friends and medical personnel. He participated in seminary, choir and home economics. He loved to learn throughout his life.

Karl participated in the Special Olympics over the course of many years. His favorite events were swimming and cross country skiing receiving several gold medals.

His adult life was filled with many adventures. He loved to travel with his parents. There were trips to national parks, theme parks and visits to his very, very large family. Karl was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved to prepare and pass the sacrament, even when he was visiting other wards. He loved to attend the temple and would ride the bus with other Stake members to Logan. Karl was a walking genealogist, he knew the names and birthdates of friends and family past and present. Often reminding Dale when it was time to send birthday cards or make a phone call to sing Happy Birthday with all the Criddle verses with his lovely tenor voice. Karl’s final church calling was as ward greeter – a job for which he was perfectly suited and we’re sure he’ll continue to do.

Karl was a model of service. He was always willing to serve his parents in their time of need. Karl was his mother’s right hand man as she suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease. His ability to be patient and loving made him the perfect companion during the years when she could not do anything for herself. This pattern would repeat several years later as he helped care for his father in his final year.

Karl and Dale where each other’s support after the death of his mother. They were inseparable and always working together. After the passing of his father, he found great joy spending time with Craig, his buddy. There were hours spent walking on the treadmill while Craig rode his stationary bike and doing water aerobics, where he made many new friends. He looked forward to Tuesday and Thursday lunches at the Senior Citizens and made sure Craig scheduled his appointments around the lunch. He also loved ‘vacationing’ in Idaho Falls with his sister ReNae. Karl recently celebrated his 50Th birthday party with friends and family at the Downey Senior Citizens Center. It was a night filled with the things he loved – Root Beer floats, fresh chocolate chip cookies, music and dancing.

On April 18, 2019 Karl passed from this world and returned to the presence of his beloved parents. He was in Downey at the only home he had ever known surrounded by loving family.

Karl is survived by six brothers and two sisters: James (Kathy), Richland, Washington; Paul (Sandra), Winnemucca, Nevada; Mark, Downey, Idaho; Lavon Cooper, Denver, Colorado; Rolfe (Myrna), Mesa, Arizona; Rex (Lori) Downey, Idaho; Craig (Gina), Downey, Idaho; ReNae (Daryn), Idaho Falls, Idaho; 33 nieces and nephews and 47 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Mother (Kathleen), Father (Dale), Brother (Claude “Bow” Bowman), Brother-in-Law (Gary Cooper) and Niece (Tammy).

A viewing will be held Monday April 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the Downey LDS Chapel and from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Tuesday preceding the funeral service. Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 23, 2019 at the Downey LDS Chapel at 12:00 pm. Burial will be in the Downey Cemetery following the service.

Donations in lieu of flowers could be made in Karl’s name to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation at www.globaldownsyndrome.org.