Howard Crittenden

Howard Vernon Crittenden passed from this life after a long illness on March 15, 2016, at his home in Deltaville, surrounded by those he loved. Howard was born on August 28, 1928, in Hardyville to James Tyler and Lillian Crittenden. He graduated from Syringa High School and attended Randolph-Macon College before joining the U.S. Marines in 1946. Howard joined the Virginia State Police in 1950 and then the Montgomery County Maryland Police in 1956. He retired from that department at the rank of Detective Lieutenant in 1976. Howard was married to Mary Elva (Mickie) Ratcliffe in 1950. They celebrated their 65th anniversary last September. He is also survived by a brother, Thomas (Gaybrooke) of Newport News, two sons, Randall Stuart (Eileen) of Hardyville and Ronald Scott (Carol) of Charlottesville, a daughter-in-law, Rowena Crittenden, of Standardsville, VA., six grandchildren, Christopher Crittenden, Carlan Austinson, Jeanne Crittenden, Audrey Lockwood, Jordan Crittenden, Maria Calloway and Randall Crittenden. He was also proud of his eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Crittenden was predeceased by brothers, James, John and Charles and one sister, Johanna. Howard served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Zoar Baptist Church in Deltaville and, at the time of his death, was a member of the Grace Community Church in Winter Haven, Florida. Mr. Crittenden was also a Master Mason at the Donovan Lodge #75, A.F. & A.M. in Deltaville. A Celebration of Life will be held in Howard’s honor at Zoar Baptist Church on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, Howard requested that donations be made to the Riverside Hospice in Gloucester, Virginia.