Skip Criner 1947 ~ 2011
Skip (Donny Wayne) was proud to be an "Okie" and was born in Tulsa in 1947 to John and Alice Criner. His mother worked hard, and sacrificed much for him and his siblings John, Jenny, Jim, Barbara, and Jerry. He had a confirmation that she lives and knew she would be waiting for him on the other side of The Veil. One of the attributes he acquired from his mother was Criner Hospitality. You couldn't visit his Cabin without an invitation for dinner. Skip will be missed by his wife of 37 years, Janet Wheadon, to whom he was sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 14, 1973, and his five children: Tracee, Paige (Chris) Norton, Callie (Todd) Perkins, Jeff (Julianne), McKenzie, and his mother-in-law Norma Wheadon, whom he affectionately called "Norma Lou". Preceded in death by his parents, sister Jennie, and father-in-law Dell Wheadon. He worked for Tulsa Juvenile Court, Sears, Midvale City, and retired from Salt Lake City in 2009. "There isn't anything I don't like about retirement". After living what Skip described as his dream life on Wheadon Lane, his heart gave him his one last wish, allowing him to quickly leave this life for one greater on May 15th, 2011. His trademark was telling jokes and pulling pranks on people and would often say: "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story". Skip was content with his life and accomplishments. He said many times his life had been much greater than he had ever imagined. He worked hard to put himself through college, graduating from Oklahoma Military Academy and BYU, but considered his children his greatest accomplishment. After basic training he was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his sister Barbara and they joined in 1967. He worked two jobs most of his life, because it was important to him that his wife could be at home with his children. He also served on the South Jordan City Council for four years. He loved hunting, genealogy, training hunting dogs, fishing, collections of all kinds, reading, cooking and golfing with his son and buddy Jeff. Skip considered it a privilege to live in America. He was tearfully grateful to those who gave their lives for our freedom and remembered them in every prayer. He was a Captain in the Army National Guard and was an advocate for donating blood as often as possible. He would be happy to know he was able to donate his eyes to someone in need as he left this earth. He accepted his trials without complaint. He loved his six grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. He was always in search of a good deal to be found at garage sales, DI, and Pawn Shops, where he also worked for many years. His motto in life, and death, will always be "Criners Don't Quit". Viewing at the LDS chapel located at 9894 South 2700 West, South Jordan, on Friday May 20 from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tee time is 11:00 a.m. The 19th Hole located at South Jordan Cemetery, 10650 South 1055 West. Directors Independent Funeral Service.