Gary W. Crizer, age 74, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away February 18, 2022 in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in May of 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents Audrey Pauline Ford Crizer and Francis Edward Crizer. Gary attended the University of Maryland while employed by the State Department. He served in the United States Army, 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany, 1966 – 1969. Gary’s hospitality career covers 50 years with several major hotel chains such as Hilton Hotels, Holiday Inns International, Doubletree Hotels, and several well-known conference centers. His most rewarding hotel experience was playing a key role in the reopening of the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. After 13 years with Hotel Roanoke, he was instrumental in providing his hotel expertise as General Manager of The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. The last 5 1/2 years of his career was spent with Concord Hotels as General Manager in opening the Hilton Garden Inn at South Peak. Gary was a charter member of Meeting Planners Int’l in Atlanta, Georgia, and also a charter member of International Association of Conference Centers. Gary’s community involvement outside of work was plentiful. He was a board member for the American Red Cross Roanoke chapter. He volunteered in local sports leagues with his children and supported local outreach organizations. Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eva Bateman Crizer; and their three children, Erin F. Crizer Gates, (LTC(P) Michael E. Gates), Sarah E. Crizer, Micah I. Crizer; and grandson, Ethan D. Gates. Siblings are: Edward Crizer, (Lucille “Lucy”); Leonard Crizer, (Irma “Midge”); Charles Crizer, (Phyllis); Vella Crizer Markowski, (Frank); Barry Crizer, (Wendy); and Rosalee Crizer Tiesi (Bernard “Will”). Gary became a faithful member of Christian Life International Church, Salem, Virginia, in January of 1994. His love for Jesus, and his love for family was evident. His humor and his laughter filled the air. He touched the lives and hearts of everyone who knew him. Our grief is consoled in knowing he is home with Jesus, and knowing we will see him again. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Christian Life International Church, Salem, Virginia. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
