John F. Cribbett, 75, died on Monday, Sept. 6. 2021, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, Dec. 27 at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Auburn. The Rev. David Van Bebber officiated. Burial followed at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. The DOD and the Interveteran Burial Detail of Sangamon County provided military honors. Curry Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Mr. Cribbett was born on Aug. 5, 1946, to James Franklin Cribbett Sr. and Lillie Myrtle (Yandell) Cribbett. He married Linda Louise Braham on Sept. 18, 1971, and she preceded him in death in 2007. He later married Tammy Longmeyer.
Mr. Cribbett graduated from Lanphier High School in Springfield in 1964 and went on to nursing training at Memorial Hospital, where he met and began a courtship with his first wife, Linda. He worked for the state of Illinois Department of Public Health through November 2002. After retiring, he drove a school bus for the Riverton School District. He especially loved his preschool route and referred to the students on his bus as “his babies.”
Mr. Cribbett was an active member of the Air National Guard, attaining a rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in Oct. 1994 after 24 years of service. He was the scout master for BSA Troop #13, based at First United Methodist Church in Springfield, his home church since childhood. During his tenure of involvement as a scout leader,many boys advanced through the ranks of scouting, and he was proud to have had over 60 boys from Troop #13 achieve the rank of Eagle Scout under his watch. Mr. Cribbett was awarded the BSA’s highest servant accolade, the Silver Beaver, for his contributions in 1994. He later moved to Auburn and became a member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, where he participated in Christmas plays and served as a deacon and treasurer. He enjoyed traveling and took several memorable vacations and cruises with his wife, Tammy.
Mr. Cribbett is survived by his wife, Tammy; children, Fred (Stephanie) Cribbett, Amy (Steve) Hobbs and Andy (Shelly) Cribbett of Harvel; step-children, Patrick (Brooke M.) Longmeyer and Brooke (Shane) Greenwood; grandchildren, Linden Hobbs, Suzette Cribbett, Madelyn Hobbs, Hannah Mae Cribbett and Brynlee Sue Greenwood; and bonus granddaughter, Bianca Greenwood.
Condolences may be left online at www.curryfh.com.
