Attorney Robert Wayne Critchfield, 93, of Somerset passed away April 5, 2013 at The Patriot. Born Jan. 24, 1920 in Somerset to James Albert and Sue Ellen (Pyle) Critchfield. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Donald A. Critchfield. He is survived by his younger brother James A. Critchfield Jr., Somerset; nephews: Jon A. Critchfield; R. Eric Critchfield, both of Somerset; and Richard N. Critchfield of Bakersville; nieces: Sarah "Sally" K. Urban, Somerset; Elizabeth Walther, and Anne Hart, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. Robert was a 1937 graduate of Somerset High School. He attended Susquehanna University and the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated cum laude in 1942. After graduation, he immediately entered the U.S. Army and served with distinction in the European Theatre during W.W.II as an anti-aircraft artillery officer; rising to the rank of Captain. Following W.W.II, he attended law school at Harvard and the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1949 after serving preceptorships with the late Senator Charles H. Ealy and former District Attorney Archibald M. Matthews. In 1950, he established a law office on East Union Street. He later moved his practice to West Main Street where he shared offices with the late Simon K. Uhl. In 2000 he was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for 50 years of active practice. During his career he handled many cases from estates to divorces and wills. He is perhaps best known for co-founding the Coal Operator's Casualty Co. in 1957 along with the late Col. W.J. Stitler and his brother Attorney James A. Critchfield Jr. The company, later known as Rockwood Insurance Co., specialized in workman's compensation insurance. He also served as the solicitor for sheriffs Norman Walker and Donald Hay for 15 years. Until his passing, Robert was the oldest living member of the Somerset County Bar Association. Robert loved and appreciated classical music. He played the flute and piccolo in the Somerset Band which won national recognition at the 1936 band competition in Evanston, Ill. He studied piano and played daily throughout his life. Robert was a life long member of the Somerset Church of the Brethren where he taught adult Sunday school. Robert was a member of Somerset Lodge #358 F&AM for over 70 years. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Revs. Paul Liepelt and Roger Forry officiating. Interment will be at the Somerset County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Somerset County, P.O. Box 182, Somerset, PA 15501 or the Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Berlin Plank Road, Somerset, PA 15501. Military graveside rites accorded by the Somerset County Honor Guard. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. www.haugerzeigler.com
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