Richard Gary Cribbs

Richard Gary Cribbs was born in Shefield, Alabama, on June 5, 1949. He attended El Monte High

School, in El Monte, California, where he met Donna Kathleen Jurney. Richard enjoyed playing

music and was a member of the school band playing the drums. Richard and Kathy fell in love

and were married on January 20th, 1968. They welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly, the

following year.

In November of 1969, Richard joined the United States Marine Corps. During his time in service

of our country, he earned medals for Good Conduct and Marksmanship.

Following his service in the Marine Corps, Richard set about providing for his family. In April

1971, Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Later that year, they welcomed a

new baby, Kirstien.

After accepting Christ, Richard had a desire to serve the Lord and grow in his Christian walk. He

helped out at their church, Baptist Community Bible Church, serving in the bus ministry,

maintenance, sound booth, rescue missions, and rest homes. Richard was an accomplished selftaught

acoustic guitar player and singer. In 1976, he and several other men formed a gospel

music group called The King’s Ambassadors. They sang, shared testimonies of what God had

done in their lives, and preached the gospel. Regularly they ministered in rescue missions

including Venice, Canyon Country, and Emmanuel Baptist Rescue Mission. Encouraging and

ministering to people who were in physical and spiritual need was a life-long burden to Richard.

In 1978, Richard and Kathy welcomed their 3rd daughter, Karen Grace, and two years later,

Ruthie.

What Richard lacked in formal education or training he made up for in ingenuity, diligence, and

an unparalleled work ethic. He enjoyed working with his hands and was very good at solving

problems. As the years past, Richard worked a variety of jobs, a tow truck driver, fork lift

mechanic, long-haul truck driver, maintenance mechanic, eventually becoming an industrial

electrician and managing the maintenance department for International Paper Plant.

In 1991, Richard and Kathy joined Bible Baptist Church in Moreno Valley, California.

Around this time Richard began working on achieving new goals. Though he was already

working 40-60 hours a week at his job, he began taking college level courses. He studied

industrial electricity and programing, eventually earning certifications from Chaffey Community

College, and Riverside Community College. He also began to pursue personal goals and passions.

In 1994, Richard decided that he would like to learn to fly, and in December of 1994 he earned

his graduation certificate from King Schools. He was a great small aircraft pilot and enjoyed

taking his family flying with him.

As his children grew up, married, and had families of their own, Richard enjoyed spending time

with his grandchildren. He loved them and spoiled them at every opportunity. He was the best

at giving piggy-back rides, playing with toys, being silly, and watching their favorite shows like,

The Great Muppet Caper. He made time to call regularly and be a part of their lives. He loved his

sons-in-law, and treated them as sons.

In 2015, after 27 years with International Paper Plant, Richard officially retired.

In retirement, Richard enjoyed taking trips with Kathy whether it was their epic retirement

family reunion in Tennessee, or just a day trip with his cousin Larry and wife Carol.

With extra time now, Richard was able to serve more in his church, Lighthouse Baptist Church. It

was a highlight of his life to serve as a deacon. He was a faithful counsellor and prayer warrior.

He regularly shared the gospel with others and served in whatever capacity needed. He put his

skills to good use, helping with the church maintenance department. He loved being a help to

others and gave sacrificially of his time.

Richard never put his needs or wants before others. He did not complain. He did not boast in his

own achievements. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. He loved

God, he loved his wife, Kathy, and he loved his family. He will be missed!

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Spy Franklin Cribbs; mother, Martha Elloit Glover

Cribbs Macahilig; step father, Conrad (Dado) Macahilig; and sister, Terri Franklin.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Kathleen Cribbs; daughters, Donna Kimberly

Parkinson, Patricia Kirstien Renna, Karen Grace Willingham, Ruthie Lois Gray; grandchildren,

Johnathan Kiger, Elizabeth Enders McLaughlin, Courtney Silzel, Madison Gray, Naomi Gray; and

great grandchild, Amy Rodriguez; his brother, Mark Franklin; Aunt Shirley Bozeman; and several

cousins.