Calvin Clyde Crittenden
Calvin Clyde Crittenden was born August 9, 1928, in Bonham, Texas, to George Boyd Crittenden and Lula Lee Crittenden (Mann). He passed on to his heavenly life on September 27th, 2021, in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where Clyde lived with his caring daughter Lucinda, his son-in-law Steve, and their beloved dog, Tripper. Clyde graduated from Texas A & M in 1947 with a degree in mechanical engineering and ultimately used this degree along with his own strong work ethic and unmatched intelligence, to oversee the engineering department of Gulf Oil. After retirement, he served for several years as the section chairman for the American Society for Mechanical Engineers and remained a member of this society throughout his lifetime. He was additionally a member of the American Petroleum Institute and served as the President of the Port Arthur (Texas) school board from 1969-1972.
Clyde was a devoted husband and was preceded in death by his life-long love and wife, Laurin Crittenden. His family takes great joy in picturing the two, now reunited in Paradise. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Lane Crittenden, and his dearly missed grandson, Matthew Allen. He leaves behind his children, daughter Rosanna Crittenden McLain with her husband Roger McLain, daughter Lucinda Fields with her husband Steve Akins, granddaughter Tracey Allen with her husband Tom Meyers, grandson, Bryan Fields with his wife Adrienne Fields and their son, Logan, and granddaughter Rachel Akins with her wife Kim Akins.
Clyde had a passion for serving the Lord, and he spent the majority of his life giving to others. After his career with Gulf, he and Laurin spent 20 years volunteering at Happy Hill Farm in Granbury, Texas, where he taught the students woodworking skills as well as life skills. Clyde and Laurin made lasting friendships at Happy Hill Farm, including Sherrie Ivey Morrow. He was also able to spend some wonderful quality time with his best friend and wife, Jerry and Shirley Daughtery, who lived nearby. After his time with Happy Hill Farm, Clyde continued his commitment to service, volunteering at Methodist Charlton Hospital in Dallas, Texas and the hospital in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. To his family, he leaves a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and generosity. They will miss him dearly and look forward to the day they will see him again.
I knew Clyde when he was with Petrolite Corp. in Webster Groves MO. He was a wise, caring Christian man. Although we only corresponded or talked once or twice a year, we were friends. He last called to tell me he had moved to Duncaville with Lucinda and her husband. When I didn’t hear from him at Christmas I was concerned. I now know that he has moved on to Heaven. I pray that we will all see him there someday. Regards to all his loved ones. Sue Tyler, Webster Groves MO.