Franklin Stewart Crittenden died at his home in Gloucester, on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
“Frank” was born in Middlesex County, on Dec. 21, 1932, the son of the late James and Mizpah Crittenden. Frank learned the importance of hard work early on while growing up on a farm. After graduating from Middlesex High School in 1951, he decided to leave the family farm, but he took that industrious Crittenden spirit with him.
A veteran of the Korean War, he served four years in the Coast Guard. After his service, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill, attending the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. He graduated from business school in 1960.
In 1961, he started his own business, Chimney Corner Lawnmower, out of his garage. During the early days of Chimney Corner, Frank also taught woodshop and auto mechanics at Mathews High School, a position he held for 20 years. Chimney Corner would eventually move out of his garage to its current location in Mathews County. With a second location in Gloucester County, Chimney Corner Lawnmower is now in its 63rd year of serving the lawn care needs of the Middle Peninsula and surrounding areas.
Frank retired from Chimney Corner two years ago, but it should not be surprising to learn that he found a way to keep busy in retirement. He turned his attention to making birdhouses to donate to the DAV as a way to serve his community.
When Frank wasn’t working hard, he would “rest his eyes,” which looked remarkably like napping to his family. His children and grandchildren recall happy summer days of dancing with him to the jukebox while he would make his delicious peach ice cream or mystery slushies, as well as taking them on boat rides and Gator rides through the woods. He wasn’t one to cuss, but he would mutter, “Oh, Butter Beans!” under his breath in an unguarded moment. He considered everyone he met to be his close friend and could be generous to a fault.
Frank once wrote this advice in a letter to one of his children, “Work hard, eat good meals, pray a lot, and I know you will be successful.” Perhaps this was his secret to living an energetic 91 years.
Although we would like to think that Frank is still just “resting his eyes,” instead of dancing to the jukebox, he is now dancing to the hymns of heaven with his loved ones who preceded him.
Frank is survived by his wife, Lynn. Together for 15 years, they shared an unbreakable bond. He was her shining star and the apple of her eye. He is also survived by his sons, Charlie Crittenden (Sandra), David Crittenden, and Aiden Crittenden; daughters, Amanda Walter and Allison Crittenden; nine grandchildren, Daniel Jones, Aaron Jones, Keely Bailey, Emma McKee, Caroline Crittenden, Morgan Crittenden, Abigail Woolard, Zoë Woolard, and Autumn Midgett; and four great-grandchildren, Wesley, Winnie, Lucy, and Samuel Jones.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Crittenden; his son, Stewart Crittenden; daughters, Becky Jones and Allison Walter; grandson, Matthew Crittenden; and brother, “Turk” Crittenden.
Visitation was 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at Hogg Funeral Home, 3098 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Hayes.
The graveside service was 11 a.m. Thursday, June 13, officiated by Pastor Garry Livermon, at H.C. Smither Cemetery, 251 Smithers Lane, Cobbs Creek.
Memorial Contributions may be made to either the Disabled Veterans of America Chapter 58 at 6265 Professional Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061, or the Matthew S. Crittenden Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Fran Miller, 356 Healy Cove Drive, Hardyville, VA 23070.
Services are under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.
