Pastor Michael Douglas Criner Sr.'s Obituary
We bid farewell to Michael Douglas Criner, a true man of God, a friend and beacon of light, who departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. Michael walked through life with a gentle strength, and a godly smile touching the lives of everyone he encountered with an unforgettable grace. Michael was an advocate for winning souls for the Kingdom of God, preaching and teaching the word of God. Michael dedicated his time and resources to making the world a brighter place. A lover of the word of God, Michael found beauty in life’s simple moments and encouraged us all to do the same.
Pastor Criner, an anointed man of God, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 16, 2024. He was born in Dallas, Texas, the oldest child of Orbit and Marilene Criner on May 24, 1952.
Pastor Criner knew he was not a self-made man and let others know that he was who he was not only by the grace and help of God but because of Pastor Jacob Taylor and Elder Odis Blackmon deposits put in him by strong fathers in the faith. Michael was known as Old Testament Criner and "The Walking Bible". He loved Jesus and his motto was: No Souls Left Behind. He Pastored Deeper Life Church in Dallas, Texas. He worked in sales, drove school buses, and Greyhound charter buses. He also had his own charter bus company, The Rock Charters.
Michael married Janice Smallwood October 11, 1975. In this union, they had three children, Michael Jr., LaRhonda and Caleb. Many years later on July 7, 2007, he married Jennifer Jarrett Love and she had two sons Shata and Ronald Love along with 5 grandchildren. He was instantly a Paw Paw.
Pastor Michael Criner had a million dollar smile along with the anointing on his life. He was loved by many and misunderstood by some because the word of God resignated in his spirit and soul. He and his wife Jennifer Criner were board members of Burning Plow Ministries of Nairobi Kenya, and were licensed Ministers of Kingsway International Fellowship. Michael was the Pastor of Return To God Outreach Ministries with his wife Jennifer by his side in Dallas, Texas.
Michael leaves to carry on his legacy: his lovely wife Jennifer, his two sons Michael Jr. (Dana) and Caleb (Amber), one daughter LaRhonda Criner Jones (Rodney),
Shata Love, Ronald Love and 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, one sister Lynell Criner Cutliff (George), Aunt Vernice Jarrett (Tulsa, Oklahoma); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orbit and Marilene Criner and his brother Lester Criner.
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