John Lester Criley, 73, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2022. He was born in Doniphan Missouri on October 8, 1949. He was the son of Lester Criley and Velma (Diffee) Criley. He was drafted into the Army and served during the Vietnam war. Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Dorothy May Allen. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves as Sargent First Class until October 8, 2009.

John was a hardworking man and found his greatest joy when he was engaged in meaningful work. He worked as a Journeyman Electrician, Supervisor at General Dynamics, and Intake Officer for Dallas County jail in Fordyce, AR, and answered the call to preach in his local and surrounding churches in Ouachita County. He achieved his lifelong dream of working with the Masterbuilders and Nailbenders groups volunteering his time to build and restore churches across Arkansas and Texas.

John was a jokester and always wanted to have fun. He enjoyed teasing and singing off key (his favorite key). He frequently was known to say "can't never could" and was always up for a challenge. He was a devoted Christian and was strong in his faith and looked forward to the day he would reunite with his beloved wife of 49 years, and his Lord, and Savior. He loved his wife more than he loved life itself and was devoted to her beyond measure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy Criley of Chidester AR, step-son Rod Diffee, of Midland TX, and grandson Adam Mayes, of Deale, MD.

He is survived by four sisters, Betty (Gary) Keen, Judy (Jerry) Arrington, June Johansen, and Linda Dray. Three daughters, Rhoda (Randy) Stinnett of Chidester, AR, Shirlena (Robert) Mayes, of Deale MD, Tessa (Martin) Wilson, of Frenchport, AR, a son Jerry Criley (Jeremy)Wayne, of Sheridan, AR. Roger Diffee, of Chidester, AR. Seven Grandchildren, Kandy Diffee, Glenn Santifer, Bryan Mayes, Charla (Jason) Kahler, Anna Mayes, Autumn Mayes, Jonah Wayne. Four Greatgrandchildren, Will Warren, Katie Stinnett, Alex Kahler, and Noah Personett.

Visitation will be at Proctors Funeral Home in Camden AR on Sunday Dec. 18, 2022 from 12-2 PM. Graveside service will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Spotville AR (address: 1061 Columbia, Rd 40, Magnolia 71753) on Dec. 18, 2022 at 3 PM. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.