Earl M. "Duke" Crittenden

CRITTENDEN, EARL M. "DUKE" passed away Aug. 31, 2009. Born on Aug. 30, 1930, in what was then known as the Conway Section of Orlando, Duke was a life long Orlando resident devoted to his family, his community of friends, his citrus industry colleagues, his Gators and his fellow Gator Fans. Duke graduated from Orlando High School in 1948 and The University of Florida in 1953. Having obtained his degree in Agriculture, Duke began his career in the citrus industry working with Shine Hardman. In 1959, Duke formed Crittenden Fruit Company, Inc., and built it into one of the largest fresh fruit operations in FL. After selling the fresh fruit operation in 1983, Duke retained ownership of his family's citrus groves and real estate, and he continued his leadership in the Silver Springs Citrus co-operative, helping to guide it through its conversion to a stock company and accomplishing unprecedented sales of $200 Million by 1984. Up to the time of his death, Duke stayed passionately involved with citrus, real estate development and service to his community. In addition to his leadership in the Citrus Industry, Duke has been a life-long pillar of his community and a friend to many. In addition to his devotion to family, friends and The Gators, Duke served our community as a member of the Florida Citrus Commission, Chairman of the Growers Administrative Committee, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, as a member of the Boards of the Central Florida Fair, Florida Citrus Sports Association, ABC Liquors, Inc. and The Lake Highland Preparatory School Foundation. Duke also took great pride in his community involvement as a member of the Central Florida Gator Club, The Citrus Club, Elks Club, Florida Citrus Mutual, O'l Timers Men's Club of Orange County, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando Remembered, Orlando Touchdown Club, Gathering of Men and The University Club. An avid golfer for many years of his life, Duke was a Charter and life-long member of Rio Pinar Country Club. Duke was a tireless champion and fan of his beloved Florida Gators. One of Duke's proudest "Gator" moments was his role working with Marshall Criser and Charlie Pell in raising the development funds necessary to begin construction of the skyboxes and the renovation of Florida Field, thus helping to propel the Gators into the National college football spotlight. Duke was a charter member of the University of Florida Bull Gators, served on the Board of the University of Florida Foundation and served as President of the University of Florida Gator Boosters. In light of his passion for Gator football, it was an especially fitting honor for Duke to be inducted into Florida Blue Key along with Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer. Duke is survived by the Love of His Life for 46 years, Helen. Duke and Helen shared not only their lives but also their mutual passions for golf, the Tennessee mountains, New Smyrna Beach, their children ;and especially their grand-children, Devan and Darren. Duke is also survived by his sons, Earl M. Crittenden, Jr. and Brian Crittenden; his brother, Charles Rowe
Crittenden; his nephew, Ronnie Kirkland; and his other beloved nieces; nephews; cousins; and in-laws. Duke was predeceased by his parents, Charles Franklin and Emma Pearl
Crittenden; his brothers,
William "Stan" Crittenden, James Henry Crittenden, Edward "Pete" Crittenden; and his sisters, Maggie Parrish, Lucy Kirkland and Viola Wharton. A service celebrating Duke's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 142 East Jackson Street, Orlando, FL 32801. The Crittenden family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m., Rio Pinar Country Club, 8600 El Prado Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825. In lieu of flowers, friends may send donations in Duke's memory to The American Heart Association, attention Luanne Lumpkins, 237 East Marks Street, Orlando, FL 32803