of Proctor, AR
September 1, 1938 - June 27, 2022
John H. Criner, III, was born on September 1, 1938 to John H. Criner, Jr and Mae Black Criner. He was an only child. Sadly, he passed to the Great Duck Blind on June 27, comfortably and peacefully at his quiet home in Proctor. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sarah Colleen Criner; son, Keith Criner; daughter in law, Mary Criner and his little grand ducklings, Owen and Anna Criner. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He loved and cherished his family above all else.
He was known by many names, but most commonly, John, Johnny, Dad, Daddy and his favorite, Papa Duck - gifted to him by his grandson, Owen. Papa Duck was many things in life, from motel proprietor, to Labrador Retriever trainer, to business owner, to schoolteacher. He enjoyed teaching the most. Later in life, he found happiness writing an Outdoor column for The Evening Times. He never met a stranger and was most content and happy in the woods, chasing ducks or catching fish. If you have a premier hunting or fishing hole, he's probably called you; bashful he was not. While Papa Duck enjoyed the outdoors, he was most happy watching and teaching others to appreciate nature's beauty and tranquility. Seeing a young fisherman catch their first bream or harvest the first duck gave him much happiness. He had many friends and always saw their positive attributes. Many conversations would involve a story regarding camp life at the 101 Club, his home away from home. The stories invariably became more colorful over the years. Johnny was a great storyteller and an avid reader, regularly completing several books weekly. He was never rushed or in a hurry and maybe the only person to ever have received a traffic citation for driving too slow.
Dad was a generous, loving and kind man. While he didn't accept much grief from his rambunctious teenage son, he found the perfect blend of love, wisdom, compassion and freedom, mixed with expectations. He felt more importantly that a young man should always respect his mother and he deeply loved his wife. He spoke many times that she was his rock and the perfect life partner. For the record, he was correct on all accounts. He believed that a person's word was their honor and a handshake was contractual; he lived and practiced those beliefs daily. If dad said he would be somewhere, he'd be ten minutes early. Dad molded his young son in the outdoors and created a love for all that Mother Nature has to offer; never once did he not offer to take me along on his adventures. He was the perfect dad and able to change with the seasons of life. As he aged, he was easily able to transition from parent, to sage grandfather and become a mentor for many. No doubt he is loved and will be sorely missed for years to come.
Papa Duck was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, having been baptized there as a child. He enjoyed his Sunday School Class and its members. While we all wanted more time with him, he was ready to go to his heavenly home. He loved the Lord and never failed to say Grace before a meal, regardless of who was providing the meal or where it was being enjoyed. He many times talked of his Papa and how he longed to catch another fish with him. It is unknown if there is a lake in Heaven but if there is, they are setting decoys and baiting hooks; may the limits be liberal and the seasons long.
In lieu of flowers, Papa Duck has requested that any memorials be sent to First Baptist Church, West Memphis, so they can continue their diligent work of spreading the Gospel to all, so that we all may meet again up yonder in a little while.
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34 Condolence(s)
Dr. William M. Hezel
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
I was a fraternity brother in AKAKIA at Memphis State University in the ‘60’s. John was a great friend and will be missed by all that knew him. I can see his smile now, and will remember him that way always. May our good Lord bless him and his family that he lives behind.
Liz & Dennis Kitsinger
Friday, August 12, 2022
Colleen, We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Criner. We just found out about him passing tonight. We thought very highly of your husband. He will always be a very special person in my life and I will always remember our years of teaching together. Thoughts, prayers, and love to you and Keith. Liz and Dennis
The Creekmore Family
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
We loved and respected this man, he treated our children as if they were his own.
May he rest in peace.
Carter and Robin Pulliam
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Colleen and Keith,
Carter and I are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Your family is a part of “our Proctor familyâ€. Memories start flowing when we think of John, most of them have a chuckle at the end. He will live on in our hearts! The Pulliam Family
Colleen Criner
Monday, July 18, 2022
Thank you everyone for all the messages and condolences. I’ve read each one of them more than once and appreciate your thoughtfulness and concern. John was a very special and unique person and we will miss him and his since of humor, among so many other things. Please keep Keith and I in your prayers as we now must do life without him. Love, Colleen
Jennifer Vega Lamb
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
I am thinking of you all and sending prayers of comfort and peace. May the beautiful memories you shared together be a source of strength during this difficult time.
Katie Kilmore Autry
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
On behalf of the Kilmore family, please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Criner was one of a kind and was loved by all.
Claudie Forrest
Monday, July 4, 2022
I had the awesome privilege of teaching along side John in the science department in the Earle School District for some years and he shared about his ventures of hunting. Be Blessed and safe to his family.
Mark Frech
Monday, July 4, 2022
Colleen & Keith,
So very saddened to learn of John's passing. Prayers and deepest sympathy to all. John was my friend and fellow waterfowler for over 40 years. We shared many days in the duck blind and a love for hunting, conservation and the wonders of our natural resources. I'll miss him on our annual hunt in November, but I know he'll be with us in spirit and the many stories we'll remember and tell about our days together!
May the duck blind in heaven always be sunny with the wind at your back and the mallards fluttering over the decoys. God speed, Papa Duck, my friend.
Mahlon Forman
Monday, July 4, 2022
I had the pleasure of knowing John since I was a child. He was a great person, good friend,and always tried to guide me in the right direction.He also was THE BEST Labrador trainer in world. If there is a lake in heaven,you can bet he is on it fishing or hunting. So sorry for your loss.We will miss you John...
Jon & Misty Collins
Saturday, July 2, 2022
Great tribute to a great man who was loved by many. Made everyone feel welcomed and for sure loved the outdoors & his grandkids. May God’s graceful and peaceful arms surround you all. Love ya!
MINDY L CLARK
Friday, July 1, 2022
I met Papa John my Sophmore year. He was my biology teacher, and I became one of the last swamprats. I was also in the 1st group of the apes. I have so many wonderful memories with him, and am truly saddened by his passing. Hope the ducks are plentiful Papa John. With love, Mindy
Kevin and Cynthia Brewer
Friday, July 1, 2022
John trained my first duck dog about 36 years ago. Cynthia and I reconnected with John three years ago and enjoyed several visits with him. John enjoyed his experiences in the outdoors and we could talk for hours about hunting and fishing. He was a great mentor to many and will be missed, but I know he is in the BEST DUCK HOLE now. Our thoughts and prayers are extended...
Stan and Kristi Brawley
Friday, July 1, 2022
Colleen and Keith , We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. He was so good to Noah, believed in him and his skill. Noah’s scholarship was because John encouraged him in shooting. John pressed him to go to his first shoot, where he won a shotgun and John was as happy as Noah. A wonderful friend and mentor. Noah shared his love of storytelling. John’s stories will continue to be told.
Joyce Court
Thursday, June 30, 2022
My husband was in the 101 club with John. They shared many years of hunting , fishing and spinning yarns about those times. John was a fine man and will not soon be forgotten.
Jon Payne
Thursday, June 30, 2022
So sorry for your loss.
Thomas Baker
Thursday, June 30, 2022
I met Mr.Criner at a crossroads in my life I was looking down two roads with very different outcomes he gave me the little push in the right direction . He looked out for me during my high school years gave me advice through my early 20s I always think of him when I'm in the great outdoors gonna miss you till we meet again
Bart E Beier
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Sorry for your loss.
Tishelle Aughenbaugh
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Mr. Criner was my favorite teacher at Marion while I was in school. He made Biology fun, he was never harsh but he also didn’t tolerate disrespect. I am forever grateful for his understanding and grace during some of my hardest times as a teenager. He also had such precious wisdom and always at the right moment. Thanks for making science/biology and school in general, great! Forever thankful for you! â¤ï¸ (MHS Class of ‘96)
Delbert Pipkin
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
You will be missed
You were one of the most genuine people I have ever met rest in peace.
God's speed
Dick Howard
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
I am so thankful I had John as a friend and was able to enjoy a "few" hunts with him, one of the most memorable was a goose hunt on my farm at Clarkedale number of years back with John, Keith and Mike Briggs....we got the limit!
Lifting the family up in prayer.
Eddie and Sally Saig
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Many are the wonderful memories we have had with our dogs and our friendship with John. He will always be remembered by us. God Bless, Eddie and Sally
Barry & Barbara Barnett
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Barbara & I first met John when we were in high school in Memphis, when I bought my first hunting dog from John. We became instant friends (only as John could anyone) that spanned many decades. John continued to train dogs for me for many years, then later taxidermy work for us. John was a true outdoorsman, old school that way, and I counted him as a close friend for all those years. He will be missed immensely but will forever remain in our hearts. God Speed Papa Duck............
Andrew Luttrell
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Mr. Criner was a great man and mentor to young people. Prayers for he and all family members.
Sincerely,
Andy Luttrell
Sheryl Tyson
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Fly high Papa John. Love you always
Bert and Connie Robinson
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Mr John was such a sweet soul and we will miss a member of our fishing family. Remembering his joy at sharing everyone’s hunting and fishing stories and pictures with others. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with the family for peace that passes all understanding
Jane Russell
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
The Evening Times has lost another great "family" member.
Working with Mr. John these many years was a privilege. His wit and wisdom was much appreciated. He was a great naturalist and outdoorsman. Fly south Papa Duck one last time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Gary Harlow
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
So sad to hear of the passing of Papa Duck. He was a friend to many and a good friend to me. May the family know I will pray and be thinking of them at this time. He will be missed by many.
Jonnie Maynard Jarrett
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear about John Henry. I knew him just about all my life and he was an absolutely wonderful man that will be greatly missed. Sending prayers.
Gary Clark
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
John was an American original. One of a kind. A true patriot. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather. There was never a greater outdoorsman. His articles in the Evening Times kept me renewing my subscription. Our days duck hunting together will be forever remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dean and Anne Creekmore
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss.
Jenny Adams
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Coleen, we were so sad to hear of Johns passing. We considered him a great friend and a great man, and we loved him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Keith
Jack Nall
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
John will be missed in the community as he was so very well liked and friend to many. Jack Nall
Teresa McCain
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Larry and I are so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace for your family.