Mr Joe B Crutchfield

Born on December 4, 1921, in Graceville, Florida, where he grew up, he was the son of Robert and Ava Crutchfield. Mr. Crutchfield enlisted in the US Navy and was a World War II veteran serving aboard the USS Cincinnati in the Pacific, the Caribbean, Central and South America. While in service, he met the love of his life, Irene Maslowski, at the US Naval Base Hospital, Whidbey Island, Washington, where she was his nurse and he was her patient. Following the end of WWII, they were married in 1947 and have been devoted to each other for over 63 years. Mr. Crutchfield attended the Florida State University. He was a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)trooper serving in Leon, Wakulla and Jefferson Counties. In 1951, FHP transferred him to Stuart, FL. Soon after, he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Stuart. At the time, he was 30 years old and the youngest police chief in the State. In the late 1950's, Joe accepted a position with the Prudential Insurance Company and the family moved back to Tallahassee where he opened the Prudential Office. Following his tenure with Prudential, he was employed with the State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner's Office, Division of Licensing, from where he retired in 1983. Joe enjoyed spending time fishing with his family at St. Marks and Destin. He was a man of quiet demeanor, with strong principles who instilled in his family the value of hard work and a belief in "the Golden Rule." Over his lifetime, he was a member of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, Florida, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Louis Catholic Church in Tallahassee.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Irene, his son J. Bruce Crutchfield of Washington, DC (Margaret Davis Crutchfield of Herndon, VA) his daughters Katherine Shoaf and husband Charles and Michele Baker of Tallahasse; his grandchildren Jeff Erle of Kuwait City, Kuwait and great-granddaughter Devan Grace Erle; Anne Crutchfield Bloj and husband Stuart of New York City and great-grandson Davis Alexander Bloj; Michael Alexander Shoaf and wife Meghan of Tallahassee; Michael Winston Crutchfield of Herndon, VA; Joseph Rion Baker and Lauren Michele Baker of Tallahassee; his loving brother John Tom Crutchfield of Graceville, FL; a niece Karen Tanton and the Reverand Gerald Tanton of Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ava Crutchfield, and his sister, Ethel Patronis. With deep appreciation and love, the family recognizes Wendy Lee, Juana Powell, Cory Miller, Charleatha Hall, Katrina Flood and Heather Baker who provided loving care for Joe over the last four years.

A family service and burial is planned. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Big Bend Hospice (1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308), the Alzheimer's Project of Tallahassee (301 E. Tharpe St, Tallahasse, FL 32303) , or the Wounded Warrior Project at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

This loving husband, father and grandfather will be missed by his family. We thank Almighty God for his life with us.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.