OBIT: Donald Arthur CRITCHFIELD, 2004, Somerset, Somerset County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Meyersdale Library Transcribed by Crystal. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ _______________________________________________ DONALD ARTHUR CRITCHFIELD Donald Arthur Critchfield, 88, died Oct. 19, 2004, at his home in Somerset. Born April 12, 1916, in Connellsville, Don is preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Sue Eva (Pyle) Critchfield. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois Marie (Yost) Critchfield; two brothers, Robert W. and James A. Jr., both of Somerset; three children, Jon Allen, married to Mary Mulcahy, Somerset; Roy Eric, married to Kathy Hunter, Somerset; and Sarah "Sally" Katherine, married to Randell "Pete" Urban, Somerset; five grandchildren: Allison (Urban) Walter, married to Ben Walter, Angela Urban, Jon S. Critchfield, Brian E. Critchfield and Laura S. Critchfield; and one great-grandson, Ethan David Critchfield. He is a 1934 graduate of Somerset High School and a 1940 graduate of Susquehanna University. A decorated combat veteran of World War II. Don served four years in the North African, Sicilian and European Theaters as an armored platoon commander with the 66th armored regiment of the Second Armored Division "Hell on Wheels," rising to the rank of captain. Twice wounded in combat he received the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Silver Star for gallantry in action. Following World War II, he and his partner, Roy Critchfield operated Critchfield Construction Co. until he retired in 1976. During his career, he built more than 100 private residences, seven churches and numerous commercial buildings in and around Somerset. An avid sportsman, he liked hunting but loved fishing. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, a life member of Somerset Lodge 358 Free and Accepted Masons, a life member of the Humane Society of Somerset County and a 50-year member of the American Legion Post 181. He was also a member of the Jaffa Shrine and Consistory Valley of Altoona, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 554, the forty and eight and the Second Armored Division Association. Also Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset. No viewing or visitation. A private funeral services with interment in Somerset County Memorial Park will be held at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers. The family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Somerset County, Box 182, Somerset, Pa. 15501. Arrangements by the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home, Somerset. 10/20/2004 Daily American