James Leon Crittenden

Although his father invited him to join the family's farming business, Leon (Dusty to his family) boarded a train to Houston where he had been accepted into Rice Institute. He graduated from the advanced program with a BS in Chemical Engineering in February of 1944 and immediately volunteered to serve in the Navy.

Leon graduated as an Ensign from midshipman school and served on the U.S.S. Torrence for two years, eventually receiving a promotion to Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Leon formed lifelong friendships from his time on the Torrence, and enjoyed attending yearly reunions with his shipmates. Leon was one of the last surviving men who served on the Torrence.

Following the war, Leon returned home in grand fashion with his cousin, Harvey. After having all the fun they could fit in, Leon accepted a job as a roustabout with Humble Oil & Refining Company, which would later become ExxonMobil. He earned his stripes with various positions at Humble, eventually landing in Midland as a drilling mud engineer.

It was in Midland that Leon met the love of his life, Grace Bartlett. After a whirlwind 3 month courtship, he finally convinced her to marry him. They had four children, Charlotte, Stephen, David and Marti. They lived in Midland for 22 years before being transferred to Houston, where they continued to live happily ever after.

In 1982, Leon retired from Exxon to enjoy his family, travel with Grace, and play lots of golf. Leon and Grace had a series of grand adventures cruising through Europe, the Holy Land, and Burmuda (quite a few times!). They were devoted members of Tallowood Baptist Chrurch and made time for Sunday school each week.

Grace passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2003. Leon missed her each and every day, and he was happy to join her in heaven when he was called home. Leon also met his mother Josephine, father CC, brother Kippie Jo and countless family pets in Heaven. Leon leaves behind his 4 children, as well as 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 28th from 6-8 at Forest Park Westheimer. Services will be Monday, July 29th at 1pm at Tallowood Baptist Church with a graveside service immediately following at Forest Park Westheimer. Leon was always sincerely appreciative of Houston Hospice for the exemplary way in which it rendered service to Grace in her time of need. Contributions to Houston Hospice can be made at 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030.