Born: Sunday Mar-20-1932
Died: Wednesday Jan-13-2021
Funeral: Monday Jan-18-2021

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Daren Frederick Critchfield was born in Oakley Idaho on March 20, 1932 to Lewis Robert and Zella Irene Plant Critchfield.  He was one of eleven children, with six sisters and four brothers.  Growing up farming, he learned the virtue of hard work early, which stayed with him his entire life.

After graduating from Oakley High School, he attended Utah State University, joining the ROTC and graduating with a degree in agriculture.  While there, he met a beautiful girl whom he knew he should marry, making promises to Heavenly Father to ensure she would marry him.  They married soon after he completed college and recently celebrated 66 years of life together.

Upon graduation he fulfilled his obligation to Uncle Sam, serving in the US Air Force.  He achieved the rank of Captain, becoming a pilot and flying B-25 bombers.  They were eventually assigned to the Royal Air Force base in Cambridge, England.  While serving in England he was asked by his father to consider coming home and helping on the family farm, and having completed his obligation of service, Daren and Jolene and their growing family returned to Oakley.

Daren and Jolene raised their family in Oakley, farming and raising cattle with his father and two brothers, Keith and Hilton.  All of their children were taught the virtue of hard work, and the cousins grew close thinning beets and pulling rye.  They have fun stories to tell about their growing up years.  In 1977, Daren was named Farmer of the Year by the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce.

Daren loved the gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ.  He served in many capacities in the Church, including as a bishop.  He was a faithful home teacher.  His favorite calling was that of a Primary teacher to children.  Daren and Jolene served a five-year mission as temple workers at the Boise Idaho temple.  Daren loved to teach the gospel, was humble and sincere and helped many return to activity.  He spent his life studying the scriptures and reading the words of ancient and modern day prophets.  He memorialized his testimony for his children and grandchildren and a copy was made for each, which they all cherish.

Daren was a poet, and enjoyed writing poems about a large variety of subjects, from the gospel to his children and grandchildren, current events in the world, and several that bring tears of laughter no matter how many times they are read.

Daren loved to fish, from the streams and reservoir of Oakley to the rivers and oceans of Alaska and British Columbia, always with his family.  After retirement, he enjoyed growing a big garden, and his tomatoes truly were the best in the valley.

He also enjoyed sports, particularly basketball, and loved watching his children and grandchildren play and loved attending their games.  He was also a fan of Utah State, BYU and the Jazz.

Daren lived an honorable life, and was a wonderful husband and father.  He loved his children, was delighted as each grandchild was added to the family, and again as each of the great grandchildren arrived.  They each have many treasured memories of their grandpa.  He was very much loved by his posterity, and they attribute to him innumerable teachings, virtues and love of the gospel.  He was an excellent example to his family.

He is survived by his eternal companion Jolene, children Cameron (Lorilee), Noland (Debbie), Robert (Kristy) and Karen Cranney, 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother, ten siblings, (he outlasted them all) and two grandsons.  His family left behind take joy and comfort in the sweet reunion that took place for him. 

The family is appreciative of those health care workers and others who made it possible for Daren to remain at home with his family.  In particular, we wish to thank Gretchen and Bethany from Visions Home Health and Todd Muhlestein for their kindness, help and assistance.  As his children, we would also like to acknowledge the 24 hour a day love and care of dad by our mom.  She never complained or showed us how tired she was.  Mom was always so cheerful and very loving with dad.

We will miss you dad. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2021 at the Oakley Stake Center.  Burial will follow in the Oakley Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans.  A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Oakley Stake Center in Oakley and on Monday from 10:00-10:45 AM at the Church prior to the funeral.  Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.  Those who wish to view the service may do so at the following link  https://youtu.be/BLv4lVNMF_M.

Condolences for Daren Critchfield

From: Lonnie and Gay Downs
We send our thoughts aNd prayers to Jolene and famiLy at this DIFFICULT time. Daren was Such a good man and respected by sO many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From: howard parkinson
I loved meeting with Daren for over 40 years helping him and his brothers with their life insurance for their business and family He was always kind and cheerful. He was devoted to his family and church and will be missed A real pillar in the community. God bless his family Howard

From: Dwight K Hale
He was a great friend.

From: Kevin Haines
I am so sorry to here this. Darren, was a great person and a strong influence for all that knew him. The Critchfield family will be in our prayers during this DIFFICULT time.

From: Gaby
I am so very sorry for your loss prayers for your families