F. Dean Crist

F. Dean Crist of Warsaw, Indiana went home to be with his Lord at 10:25 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw at the age of 79.

He was born on February 9, 1941 in LaGrange, Indiana to Garnet (Bassett) and Roy Crist, and was raised by his dear foster parents, Charles and Mabel Vanator.  On November 29, 1985 he was married to Anita (Martinez) Wiegand Crist.

Dean was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana where he was a 1959 graduate of Leesburg High School.  He had a strong work ethic and his willingness to always help made him a great employee…he spent 37 ½ years at R.R. Donnelley in Warsaw as a machine operator and afterwards he worked at the World Missionary Press in New Paris, Indiana for 11 years.   

No matter what was going on in his life, Dean would always make time for his family.  He enjoyed the simple things in life while his children were growing up, such as the countless memories he made simply by taking time to color or dance with his girls.  He also had quite an eye for all things beautiful, especially classic cars, he particularly loved the quality and distinctness of ALL cars.  Dean especially loved his own chop-top.  He collected stamps, fossils, and was an avid reader.  He would read anything from science fiction to Christian commentary, but his most beloved book to read was his Bible.  He was a member of Community Bible Church in Warsaw where he loved to worship and share fellowship with his church family.  He served the Lord in everything he did.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. Dean did everything with a huge smile on his face, and treated people with respect.  He would most want to be remembered for his steadfast faith in his Savior Jesus Christ and will be dearly missed.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Anita Crist (Warsaw, Indiana); two daughters:  Kelly (Tony) Boley (Winona Lake, Indiana); Mechelle (Doug) Trent (Claypool, Indiana); step-son:  George (Julie) Wiegand, Jr. (Dewart Lake-Syracuse, Indiana); three step-daughters:  Missy (Jeff) Albright (Warsaw, Indiana); Celeste (Brad) Richards (Leesburg, Indiana); Bridget (Jay) Nicodemus (North Webster, Indiana); nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents, and his daughter, Barbara Jean Crist.           

Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  Dean’s life will be celebrated with a service at 1:00 p.m. and officiated by Pastor Dennis L. Bollenbacher and George Wiegand.  Burial will follow with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana. 

Memorial donations may be directed to Community Bible Church, 2947 S. County Farm Road Warsaw, Indiana  46580; or to the World Missionary Press, 19168 Co Rd 146, New Paris, Indiana  46553 and would be appreciated by the family. 

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