Nancy "Nan" Helen Crider

Nancy (Nan) Helen Parker Crider, 83, of Crane, Texas, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at her residence, surrounded by her family. 

Nancy was born on August 22, 1939, in Abilene, Texas, to Floyd and Maureen Parker.  She grew up in Wickett, Texas, attended Monahans High School, and soon after her graduation, she married the love of her life, Mr. Bobby Crider. 

She was married to Bobby for 65 years and their deep love and respect for each other, was (and is) an example to all who knew them together. The way they loved each other was the way God intended people to love each other; fully and completely, in sickness and in health. 

Nan was a dedicated and loving wife and mother, a doting grandmother, adoring great-grandmother, devoted aunt, and faithful friend. 

Nan was sharp, running a successful business, even in her final days. She didn’t rely on a computer because she didn’t need to; her family knew she had more brain power than any of them, and she’d remind them of that often.   She was witty, always telling jokes and always with a sparkle in her eye. But more than anything, Nan was a true matriarch and loved her family fiercely and without reservation. 

She was the heart and soul of her family, her extensive circle of close friends, and a true pillar of the Crane community.  Young at heart, she had an infectious laugh and a mischievous sense of humor that got her (and her grandkids) into trouble at times, but her antics were always welcome and in good fun.   She was the life of every party and loved to dance and celebrate. She carried true joy in her heart and shared that joy freely with others. 

She was elegant, gracious, brave, and kind, but she didn’t shy away from defending others when needed. She didn’t like confrontation, but she wasn’t scared of it, either. She wasn’t scared of anything.   She was larger than life and generous in her love. 

Nan was a lifetime member of the Crane County 4H Club and Secretary of the Crane Junior Livestock Association. 

In addition to her community service, Nan owned and operated several successful businesses in her lifetime, including D&L Trucking Company, CRM Services, and the still active CRM Cleaning Services. She was also the proud owner of Crane’s beloved store, The Dugout, for 20 years, and creator of their famous Sweet Tea. 

She was a true pioneer and believer of women in business and encouraged and inspired many young women to follow in her footsteps. 

Nan had many passions in her life, including Crane High School sports (which she travelled to watch, long after her children and grandchildren graduated), poker (of which she won many tournaments), and a deep love of not just travel, but adventure.   However, her biggest passion was her grandchildren, and later, her great-grandchildren. From sports games to piano and dance recitals, graduations, baptisms, and weddings, Nan was there. Always the loudest voice cheering and hollering and always bursting with pride. 

Nan was a provider and a caretaker and had high expectations for herself and others. She encouraged people to be their best, gave opportunities to those who needed it, and stepped into people’s lives when called upon. She loved to take people under her wing and considered it an honor when others asked her for help. 

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James Parker and Tom Parker; and her sisters, Nell Berry, Shirley Simpson, and Linda Lou Parker.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Mr. Bobby Crider of Crane, Texas; son, Douglas Crider of Brenham, Texas; daughter, Leigh Ann McCain, of Ozona, Texas; grandson, Casey McCain and wife, Analisa, of Midland, Texas; granddaughter, Paige McCain of Rocksprings, Texas; great-grandchildren, Grant Gilbert McCain and Flora Louise McCain; in-laws, Larry and Annell Crider, Barbara Edmonson, Wes Watson, Danny Crider, Phyllis Parker Simmons, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear, personal friends. 

Pallbearers will be Casey McCain, Kenny Smith, Roy Hodges, Donny Bishop Jr., Juan Jimenez, and David Bernard. 

Honorary Pallbearer will be Grant Gilbert McCain. 

Viewing will be on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 9am-8pm at Schaffer-Nichols Funeral Home in Crane, Texas. 

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10am at First Baptist Church in Crane, Texas.

In honor, remembrance, and celebration of Nan’s lively, vivacious personality, the family is asking for friends and family to wear orange (or other bright colors) to the funeral service. 

Memorial donations may be made to Crane County 4H or The American Cancer Society.