Clarence Crider

Clarence Wayne Crider, the son of Clyde William Crider and Sylvia Florence Knight Crider was born April 30th, 1934 in Summersville, MO. He passed away at his home in Summersville, MO on April 8th, 2025 with his loving sister, Mary Ann, by his side, making his age 90 years. What a blessed life! 

Clarence lost his sight when he was just 2 years old due to impetigo. Clarence received his education at the Missouri School for the Blind. It was there that he learned to play the guitar, and then later he mastered playing the banjo and mandolin. In 1963 they started their Gospel Radio Show and even after 61 years, their show is still being played every Sunday morning on the local station. In 1966 they started the wonderful thing called the Current River Opry. They began the show at Eminence, MO and moved it to Summersville in 1993, where it continued to bless many people until 2010. 

People would come from far and wide to see and hear Clarence "the blind man" play his guitar like ChetAtkins. So many memories were made during the show with lots of friends over the years. 

The most important happening in his life was when he accepted the Lord as his Savior when he was just 17 years old. 

He was one of the beginning members at Praise Assembly Church, where he was an associate pastor. Clarence and Mary Ann were there from the very start, when the church started in 1989, and continued until he was no longer able to. He brought countless sermons from his braille Bible as he ministered. He played his guitar at every service and was always blessing us with his beautiful talents. He loved writing songs and has written so many over the years.

Writing about Jesus was his favorite, but he enjoyed writing about Holidays, Christmas and Easter. He was very gifted in so many ways and even amazed others by being able to put in screws and put things together, even though he couldn't see. He most certainly was a one-of-a kind man! 

Preceding in death were his parents Clyde and Sylvia Crider, and an infant brother, Walter Carl. 

Left to go on in this life without him are his sister Mary Ann Crider of the home, brother Bob Crider and wife Imogene of St. Charles, MO. One nephew Rob Crider and his wife Robyn of Troy, MO with grand-nephew Robbie and wife Erin and greatgrandbaby Lainey Crider of Troy, MO. One niece Gina Jones and husband Vince and son Dalton of St. Peters, MO. One niece Emily Crider of Troy, MO. Special cousins Marium Fuetral and family of Summersville, MO and cousin Murel Eschrich and family of Summersville, MO, along with many other cousins and friends. Very special friends Arvel and Brenda Schweighauser, Robbie and Misti Pace and their family and a host of church family who cherished every minute they got to share together. 

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Imagining him seeing Jesus' face and all of the beauty made by God, is a very comforting thought for those who are left behind. Well done thou Good and Faithful Servant. 

Funeral Services for Mr. Clarence Crider, age 90 of Summersville, were held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 11th at Bradford Funeral Home. 

Interment was in the Summersville City Cemetery 

Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home.