Obituary for Tommy Criner

Tommy Lee Criner – Veteran

July 16, 1944 – September 23, 2018

Tommy Lee Criner left this earth September 23, 2018 at his home in Ponca City. Surrounded by family members who loved him throughout the day, he died peacefully. Tommy and his family were supported by the compassionate care of Humanity Hospice.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 2 p.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in Ponca City. Pallbearers for the service will include Max Turner, Dalton Criner, Logan King, Trevor Criner, Jared Criner and David Sprueill. Honorary bearers include Tommy Glenny, Michael Left Hand, James McCurry and Steven Wayne Zachary.

Music for the service will include: “Holes In The Floor of Heaven”, “There You’ll Be”, “Hallelujah”, “Oceans”, “No Longer Slaves”, “Wind Beneath My Wings”, “Amazing Grace”, “A Love Without End, Amen”, and “I Walk The Line”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel.

He was born in Cushing, Oklahoma July 16, 1944 to Vivian Owensby Criner and Dell Criner. He grew up with siblings Ken and Joe who he loved very much.
Joining the Army in 1961, he served in France and was awarded the sharp shooter and good conduct medals.

Upon returning to Cushing, he met and married Carol Criner, making a family with Charles, Jay, and Cindy. Later, they had Rhonda, Keven and Kim. They moved their growing family to Blackwell and Tommy made a career in the oil field.
After failing health forced him into retirement, he enjoyed tinkering with computers, making funny Jib Jab cards for family and watching OU football. Most of all, he loved visiting with his family and spending time at the lake camping, fishing, boating, and just being together.

He was preceded in death by his brother Billy and his parents Vivian and Dell Criner.

He is survived by his children Charles, Jay, Cindy, Rhonda, Keven and Kim. Also survived by many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren who he loved so very much.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Humanity Hospice at 1109 N Bryant Ave Ste 100, Edmond, OK 73034

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye