Charles V. Critchfield

Charles Vincent Critchfield, 91, passed away July 7, 2019 in Huntersville, N. C. He was born June 26, 1928 in Cook Hospital in Fairmont, West Virginia, the son of Charles Sutton and Kathleen Poore Critchfield.

"CV" as he was known to his grandchildren, lived a full and active life as a husband, father, grandfather, attorney, sports fan and a person interested in all facets of life.

He graduated in 1946 from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, entering West Virginia University the following fall. During his freshman year he met and began dating the love of his life Maxine Tetrick. After graduating from WVU in 1950 with a degree in Business Administration he was admitted to the West Virginia University College of Law.  Shortly after graduation he and Maxine were married on June 20, 1953, in Enterprise, W. Va.

CV began practicing law that same year in Fairmont, W. Va. and continued until he retired in 1991 from the firm of Furbee, Amos, Webb and Critchfield. CV and Maxine moved to Surfside Beach, SC that year where he was near the ocean and then to Huntersville, NC in 2000 to be closer to his children and grandchildren.  Wherever he went, CV made friends with neighbors and fellow West Virginians.  While in Fairmont he was active at Christ Episcopal Church serving in the wardens and trustee roles.  As the youth basketball coach he led Christ Episcopal to two junior high championships.  He served on the board of Family Services, as Democratic committee man and as president of the Black Diamond Girls Scouts Council. CV was an active member of the Marion County Bar Association and the West Virginia Bar Association having served as president of both associations. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity while at WVU and remained involved as an alumnus.

His interests were wide and varied. He played tennis into his 80's, enjoyed painting, fishing, all sports, cards, and all things associated with West Virginia University. He followed WVU sports with a passion missing only one or two home football games between his freshman year and his move to South Carolina. Once they moved south,  he often returned to Morgantown to watch the Blue and Gold.  An avid tennis fan, he was often found watching the tennis channel with Maxine when he was unable to play the sport.

Above all was his devotion and generosity to his family . He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maxine.  Son Charles L. Critchfield (Pamela); daughters Rebecca Kathleen Critchfield, Carol Critchfield Smith (Timothy) and Elizabeth Critchfield Dotts (Bernard). Grandchildren are "Katie" Mehle (Jesse); Anne Smith Calder (Jonathan); Charles Nathaniel Critchfield; Caroline  Sutton Smith (Brandon Williams); Sutton James Smith (Margaret); Patrick Thomas Dotts and Clare Marie Dotts. Great-grandchildren are: Jackson Charles Mehle, Oliver Charles Smith, Kathleen Marie Mehle, Maisie Adele Smith and Hunter James Calder.

CV will be honored by the Marion County Bar Association at the Marion County Courthouse on August 16 at 1 pm.   A memorial is planned at Christ Episcopal Church, Fairmont, WV. August 17 at 11 am.  A reception will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WVU Foundation at One Waterfront Place – 7^th floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507. Please make checks payable to WVU Foundation, Inc., and include a note designating the donation is in memory of Charles Critchfield who passed on July 7, 2019.