Booker Criswell
1952 ~ 2019
Date of death: March 19, 2019
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Criswell family. Booker's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Booker Criswell.
Sincerely,
Derrick B.Veasley ~ Director
Henry B.Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Booker Myles Criswell, Jr. was born to Dorothy Mae Hall and the late Booker Criswell, Sr. on March 3, 1952 at Twin City Hospital. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Aleya Criswell.
Booker was a graduate of the Fort Smith Public Schools. He had a great love and passion for the outdoors, and he was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also loved to cook and could fry some delicious fish! He even loved outdoor sports, but he loved it most when he could share it with his brother, other relatives, and friends.
Booker accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was a long-time active and faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church. During his early years, he served as a choir and Trail Explorer member. He spent the rest of his time as a Deacon and Church Treasurer. He spent many years as a chaperone for the Youth Department. His last two noteworthy events as chaperone was to the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN and to the theatrical play “Samson” in Branson, MO. Booker’s favorite song was “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine”.
Booker worked at John Morrel Meat Packing Plant as a butcher until the company relocated, and he worked and retired from Whirlpool Corporation of Fort Smith.
Booker had a love for family gatherings, playing dominoes, and traveling. He vowed that he would never get on a cruise ship, but in 2010 he had the thrill of a lifetime with his wife and family on their Caribbean Cruise. His friends could depend on him because he was faithful in friendship and had a loving heart that extended beyond his family, and many people loved him. He also had a willingness to assist others in time of need.
Booker leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Lecile Criswell of Van Buren, Arkansas; his mother, Dorothy Criswell of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 2 sons, Booker (Sandra) Criswell, III of El Dorado, Arkansas and Tino (Tinita) Criswell, Sr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one daughter, Yo’Londa (Andre’) Thompson; one brother, Stanley Criswell; three sisters, Ruby Wright, Kathy (Hosea) Conley, and Linda (Larry) Chaffin all of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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Visitation will be Friday, March 29, 2019 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church 3110 Kelley Highway Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Committal service and final resting place will be held at the Forrest Park Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
