Joshua Arthur Crittendon

Joshua Arthur Crittendon– Born February 29th, 1972, he liked being special, celebrating two birthdays, February 28th and March 1st . He left us June 11th , 2024, surrounded by family that loved him. His sons Joshua Taylor Crittendon, who shared his dad’s love of crab legs and Ahi tuna that was swimming just minutes before, and Connor Riley Crittendon, that asked for a quarter for trying a new food, funnel cake with chocolate sauce. Joshua loved counting Connor’s freckles. Connor would accommodate him some of the time. His beautiful fiancée Dezera Fryman, that he called his light at the end of a dark tunnel. He had three beautiful bonus daughters, Alicia, Savannah and Dannie that he loved. Thankfully they loved and tolerated him. Joshua is also survived by his mother, Robin Zwald which is amazing after all he put her through. She deserves a plaque in CAMC emergency rooms. Also, a bonus dad Drew Zwald, that would sing his praises in college classes. He is also survived by his sister, Micah Hunsucker, that sometimes would irritate the living daylights out of him, but the love was always evident, even while they were fighting. He is also survived by his Aunt Donna Crittendon who spoiled him rotten and has a museum of photos of him. Joshua is also survived by the mother of his sons, Karen Waller Crittendon, who made sure the boys always saw their dad and never, even in the darkest times, said a bad word about him. He is also survived by maternal Aunts, Kay-Kay, Debbie, and Boo-Boo (Melinda) who he accidentally set on fire once. Also, maternal uncles Pat, Mark, Chris and Brad indulged him and probably got him into a lot of trouble. His lifelong friend, Eddie Layne, who will honor Joshua’s last wishes for a final mountain run. Too many cousins, family and friends (I’m looking at you Roi) to mention. 

His love for the outdoors, the ocean at sunrise, the top of the mountain before a run, were well known. Joshua had a huge heart full of love. Love for his family, love for his work at the Hope Center, love for all the young and not so young men in recovery. Never forget he was so proud of you. All of us that loved Joshua (our Little Hudda Budda) would like to thank the Hope Center  where he got his life back. His sponsor, Jimmy C, the countless doctors, nurses and medical staff, that tried their absolute best to save him and were brave enough, kind enough to tell us they had done everything they could. Thank You! 

Joshua was preceded in death by his father Leonard Arthur Crittendon, paternal grandmother Juanita Crittendon, maternal grandparents Glen Loring Dawson and Lois Carol Dawson.

After Joshua’s battle with cancer, three weeks in the hospital, two of those in ICU, in lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to his family or to the Hope Center.

Dezera Fryman
C/O Robin Zwald
1713 Searay Lane
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Hope Center: hopectr.org  (In honor of Joshua Crittendon)

A celebration of Joshua’s life will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, June 15th at the Privett Center, located at 250 West Loudon Avenue, Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome to attend. Please dress casually—Joshua wouldn’t want a big fuss.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joshua Arthur Crittendon, please visit our floral store.