On April 25, 1925 Donest Criswell Sr. was born in Leggett, Texas to Rafe and Edith ( Banks) Criswell. He was one of four children. As a young man he attended Leggett Schools. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Jewel Dunham. Mr. Criswell served in the U.S. Army from August 1943 until March 1946. He was in the medical Corp., in Pacific Island of Guam. After leaving the military Mr. Criswell was gainfully employed by Dow Chemical for many years. Upon his retirement, he began to live his dream as an entrepreneur.

Later in life Mr. Criswell received Christ and served faithfully as a Deacon for many years.

Mr. Criswell is preceded in death by Father Rafe Criswell, Mother Edith Criswell, his wife Jewel Dunham Criswell, daughter Ruby Jewel Criswell, brother Ben Criswell, sisters Willie Lee (Criswell) Eastland, and Jimmie Lee (Criswell) Cooper.

He leaves to mourn his Son Donest Criswell Jr. (Mary), Jearlene Criswell Matthews (John), Donell Criswell, Sr., Ernest Criswell, Sr. (Lizzie), Edith Carol Criswell Fuselier (Lanny), Johnny Ray Criswell I, (Jacque), Brenda Lee Criswell Brewer (Sidney). His grandchildren , great grandchildren , a host of nephews, nieces and relatives.

Services for Mr. Criswell will be Saturday October 19 2019 at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church which is located on 1620 Dolly Wright Houston, Texas 77088

Viewing will start at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am service.

Interment will be held in Leggett, Texas at New Wensley Cemetery.