Donald Earl Critton

Donald Earl Critton went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2017. Don Critton was born in Stover Missouri on August 4, 1932 to Keith and Woodie Critton. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Gates-Critton on April 12, 1952. Don and Carol's love for each other had no bound. They shared a storybook marriage for 64 years. Don is preceded in death by his precious wife Carolyn and his oldest son Donald K. Critton. He is survived by his children Kirk Critton and Susan (Ray) Murray. Don was known as "Poppy" to his 5 grandchildren; Amy (Jamie) Thacker, Niccole (Stan) Aylsworth, Natalie (Con) Dial, Jason (Dawn) Critton and Cody (Kirbee) Murray, and his 15 great-grandchildren. Don lived a wonderful life. He served honorably in the US Navy during the Korean War as a gunner on the USS Neifeh 352. After his military service he chased the oilfield from Oklahoma to Utah. He drove truck for over thirty years literally logging millions of miles hauling gas and diesel back and forth from Salt Lake City to Vernal, while working for Sowards Gas and Western Petroleum. He was an outstanding truck driver and took great pride in the work that he did. When he wasn't driving truck he was home being an amazing father and husband to his family. Every Summer he enjoyed cutting a load of wood on the mountain, raising a big garden and irrigating his pastures. Don also was a phenomenal horseman. He brought one of the first paint stallions into the Basin in the early 80's, a running bred horse that he called Captain. He really enjoyed training and racing horses with his brother Bill and his grandson Jason. He was a cowboy at heart. Don was the oldest of 6 kids and was very proud of his siblings and their accomplishments. He was always there for them in their times of need and he would do anything that he could to help them along the way. After raising 3 children of their own, Don and Carol selflessly chose to raise 2 of their grandchildren Natalie and Jason as well. This was an ultimate sacrifice that forever changed the lives of these 2 kids. Poppy was the most genuine and sincere man that you could ever know. His gentle spirit and soft smile will be missed, but never forgotten. The love that he and grandma shared has been an inspiration to us all. It was the perfect picture of true love. His authentic legacy of hard work, humility and kindness will live on forever in those that he so graciously touched. Don Critton left this world a better place as he passed into eternity to be with the love of his life Carolyn. Those of us that knew him were privileged and we will spend the rest of our lives trying to be more like Poppy. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. A viewing for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park, with Military Honors provided by American Legion. Services are under the direction of the Blackburn and Sons Vernal Mortuary.