Kenneth Criswell
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 1
1942 ~ 2026
Date of Death: March 22, 2026
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Criswell Family. Kenneth's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. 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 there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Kenneth Criswell.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Karisa McAlister ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Kenneth Criswell, age 83, of Morrilton, Arkansas, departed this life on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1942, in Springfield, Arkansas, to the late Grace Hawkins Mitchem and Ed Criswell, and was raised by Elbert Mitchem. Kenneth was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent many years as a successful businessman.
While living in California, he owned and operated a limousine company and was also employed by Universal Studios. After returning to Arkansas, he began a lawn care business before entering the trucking industry. With the assistance of Jimmy Carter and Gloria Leapheart, he helped establish Morrilton Trucking Company. The company name was later changed to Millie Trucking Company and eventually became Lissa Trucking, LLC. For more than forty years, Kenneth enjoyed driving dump trucks and working in the trucking business. He took great pride in his work and valued the many friendships he formed throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace Hawkins Mitchem and Ed Criswell; and his siblings, Johnny Criswell, Howard Mitchem, Wendell Mitchem, Amos Mitchem, Jordan Mitchem, Adell Mitchem, Ezell Mitchem, Waymon Mitchem, Rena Ward, Bill Mitchem, Benjamin Morris, and Jerry Mitchem.
He leaves to cherish his memory his special friend, Mary Davis; his daughters, Millicent Criswell of California and Melissa McKinley (Terrance) of Morrilton, Arkansas; one son, Kenneth Criswell, Jr. (Sophia). He also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Lois Kukcinovich of Philadelphia, Albert Mitchem (Calandra) of Raytown, Missouri, Richard Morris (Jackie) of Solgohachia, Arkansas, James Mitchem of Kansas City, Missouri; Gracie Williams (Donald) of Forrest City, Arkansas, Ruby Jackson of Grandview, Missouri, Spain Mitchem of Grandview, Missouri, and Emmet Harold Mitchem of Morrilton, Arkansas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.
Kenneth will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his family, and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him .
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Veasley Funeral Home.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, 11:00am at Hickory Hill Baptist Church, 1274 Hwy 95, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110.
Committal service and final resting place will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery, Springfield, Arkansas.
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