John D. “Critter” Ritter, 55, of Keota, Oklahoma, passed away on February 21, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with his family by his side. John was born on July 4, 1970, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Kenneth and Betty (Craig) Ritter. He grew up with a strong work ethic and a generous spirit that would come to define his life. John was a man who could do just about anything he set his mind to—a true “jack of all trades” and there wasn’t a problem he wouldn’t try to fix or a skill he wouldn’t learn.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ritter, and his brother, Charlie “Grasshopper” Monroe.
John is survived by his mother, Betty Ritter of Cowlington, Oklahoma, his wife, Casey Ritter of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; four sons, James Aaron and wife Cheyenne of Van Buren, Arkansas, Sydney Ritter and wife Bethany of Keota, Oklahoma, Brad Wilhite of Cowlington, Oklahoma, and Aydin Wilkerson of Cowlington, Oklahoma; five daughters, Brandee Ritter and Darrell Hilton of Panama, Oklahoma, Marquita Girdner and husband Mark of Caney Ridge, Oklahoma, Lacey Elliott of Muldrow, Oklahoma, LaRissta Hixon of Cowlington, Oklahoma, and Chasadee Wilhite of Cowlington, Oklahoma; one sister, Tracy Ritter and Tyrone Woodard of Cowlington, Oklahoma; 23 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
John found great joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, and camping, and he took pride in smoking meat, riding horses, and creating beautiful leatherwork. He also dedicated his time to coaching summer youth league basketball and baseball, investing in the lives of young athletes and encouraging them both on and off the field.
The Celebration of Life Visitation for John will be held from 6pm – 8pm on Friday, March 6, 2026, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Ave Poteau, Oklahoma
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of John D. “Critter” Ritter has entrusted his arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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