He was born in Wellington, KS, to the late Raymond and Vera Crittenden on September 2, 1951. Chris graduated in 1969 from Wellington High School. After high school, he entered the Army National Guard serving for 6 years, honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1977.
Chris's professional career spanned over 52 years in the industrial and auto parts industry. The majority of his career was spent in supervision and management. He advanced his education at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. He retired in 2018 from Murdock Industrial after 14 years.
Chris was married for 50 years to his high school sweetheart Jeanie (Becker) Crittenden. She survives him as well as their 2 children Shanna (Crittenden) and Chris Gilbert, Chad and Andrea Crittenden; granddaughters Sydney Nichole Gilbert, Busy Rose Crittenden, Emmy Lynn Crittenden and Elsie Jo Crittenden, all of Wichita, Kansas; sister Susie (Crittenden) and Steve Cochran; and beloved dog Sweetie.
Preceding him in death, his brother Michael Ray Crittenden and his parents.
Chris and Jeanie are long-time parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover, KS. Serving in a number of capacities including Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Unitas Marriage Preparation Sponsor and Confirmation Sponsor.
He loved spending time with his granddaughters, taking Sweetie for long walks and was a passionate shopper of all things.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to:
St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959
or Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219
Vigil will be held on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m.
Funeral service Tuesday, March 3, at 11 a.m.; luncheon immediately following.
All services will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 123 N. Andover Rd., Andover, KS. Private graveside service will be held at a later time.
