John Criner (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas—John Criner, 94, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, November 5, 2018 in the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral directors of Tulia.

John was born on January 4, 1924 in Texarkana to Commodore Cecil and Olive Alice Criner. He married Irene Robinson on January 7, 1942. She passed away in 2003. He served in the US Marines Corps of Engineers during WWII.  He served on the Swisher County Board and was a commissioner. He was also a member of the Tulia Kiwana’s Club. In his career he served as principal or administrator/superintendent for many local West Texas area schools including Three Way, Hale Center, Amherst, Shallowater, O’Donnell and Tulia from 1951-1984.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a son: Rett Keith Criner.

He is survived by four grandchildren: Ameris Dortch and husband Zac, Esther Cox and husband Chris, Justin Criner and wife Mandy and Trevor Colin Criner and wife Victoria and 13 great grandchildren who called him Papa.

Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.