Russell D. Criner was born on November 22, 1938 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Devo & Nada Hazel (Anderson) Criner. He passed from this life on May 16, 2005 at his home in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma at the age of 67 years, 5 months & 24 days.

Russell was a member of the 1957 graduating class of Twin Hills High School. He was proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. His working years were spent primarily as a self-employed dump truck driver and he also drove a truck for Affiliated Foods. He was a deacon at the Hectorville Free Will Baptist Church and also faithfully attended the Faith Holiness Church in Sapulpa. He is remembered as a very hard working person that was a great shade tree mechanic and could fix anything. He loved C.B. radios, playing music, singing and camping.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Criner as well as by 2 infant children. He is survived by his current wife; Patricia Criner, 1 daughter; Carri Leete and her husband Rob, of Mesquite, Nevada, 1 son; Russell Criner II and his wife Terri, of Okmulgee, 2 grandchildren; Ashlynn & Andie Grace, 1 step-daughter; Cynthia Mills and her husband Bruce, 3 step-grandchildren; Roger David Mills, Keith Alexander Mills & Seth Anthony Mills, 1 aunt and several cousins, other relatives and friends.

Casket bearers were Rusty Flud, Red Fields, Tom Harrell, Duane Gann, Ira Britt & Stanley Schooley.