Donnie "Ray" Criswell, Sr.

Donnie “Ray” Criswell, Sr, age 71, of Waynesburg, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 2, 2025.  Ray was born, along with his twin sister Carolyn “Faye”, Wednesday, March 10, 1954, in Monticello, Kentucky, and was the son of the late Nim & Martha (Marcum) Criswell.  Ray married Yolonda (Davidson) Criswell, on Saturday, September 3, 1977, in New Castle, Indiana, spending 48 loving years with one another and was blessed with two children, Donnie Ray “DJ” Criswell, Jr. (Ali) and Christina Marie Criswell (Darrell Padgett); and six grandchildren, Marissa Miller, James Criswell, Gracie Rae Criswell, Rylee Dye, Laken Shackelford, and Levi Shackelford.  Ray loved farming and there wasn’t anything broken that he couldn’t fix.  Ray was loved by all who knew him and was willing to always help someone.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Ray leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and friends who mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by eight brothers, Leon Criswell, Junior Criswell, Arthur Criswell, Claude Thomas Joe Criswell, Clyde Criswell, Kenneth Criswell, Sterlie Criswell, and Johnny Criswell; and four sisters, Betty Watson, Alice Stoker, Doris Watson, and Carolyn Faye Gray.

A Public Visitation will be held 6-8PM Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home.

A Public Funeral Service will be held 11AM Friday, at the funeral home.  Bro. Jami Hamilton will officiate the service.  The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on Ray’s memorial page of the funeral home’s website.

Burial will follow in Olive Cemetery.  DJ Criswell, James Criswell, Jonathan Osborne, Joshua Moore, Kenny Wayne Criswell, Melvin Watson, and Darrell Padgett will serve as Active Pallbearers.

Memorial Contributions suggested to Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, c/o Ray Criswell Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 67, Waynesburg, KY 40489.

Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, is entrusted with Ray’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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