Bonnie K. Criswell, 76, passed away on October 12, 2026, in Chillicothe, Ohio. She was born Bonnie Kathryn Walker to Ruby and William B. Walker in Missouri on September 3, 1950.
Bonnie was the second of three children. She graduated from high school in Burlington, Iowa, and married Robert Dean Martin in 1969. Bonnie and Bob had two children: Kathryn, born in 1969, and Lisa, born in 1972.
During Bob’s naval service, the young family lived in several places around the world, including Japan and the Philippine Islands. The marriage ended in 1979.
Bonnie returned to the United States and joined the Navy in February 1980. She went on to build a 20-year career in the Navy while raising her two daughters.
During Bonnie’s naval career, she witnessed many changes. In 1994, the combat exclusion law was lifted, and female sailors were assigned to combat-ready positions for the first time. That same year, Bonnie was among the first female sailors assigned to a combat-ready position aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).
Bonnie married Richard L. Criswell of Piketon, Ohio, in 1985. Richard also served in the Navy. They had a daughter, Stella, in 1986 and a son, Aaron, in 1990.
After retiring from the Navy, Bonnie moved to Ohio with Richard and their two children. They settled in Pike County, where she worked for the State of Ohio and volunteered with Disabled American Veterans.
Bonnie will be remembered for the selfless way she gave of her time, strength, and love to others. Her steadfast devotion to family and friends shaped her life, and her generosity, trailblazing naval service, and commitment to fellow veterans and the Pike County community leave a lasting legacy.
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Full service details and the family guest book are available at Boyer Funeral Home.