Charles ‘Art’ David Crudgington
Charles David “Art” Crudgington was born on November 7, 1934, to Robert Evans Crudgington and Annie Lee Parker Crudgington. Art was raised in the country, one of five brothers and a sister who died at an early age. He lived in Breckenridge most of his life.
He met and fell in love with Marie Sullivan. He was 19 and she was 17 when they eloped and were wed in Ector County on October 26, 1954. The following year they were blessed with their only child, a son. Berry Charles “Butch” Crudgington was born on July 9, 1955.
Art was a heavy equipment operator and retired from the Texas Highway Department (TxDOT). He continued to operate a bulldozer on an area ranch for several years after retirement.
He was very lucky to have found a second love. Art met and married Barbara Raye Jones on April 17, 2004. The couple enjoyed many happy years together and were active members of the Rose Avenue Baptist Church.
During retirement, Art had more time to pursue his third love. Art was a music lover his entire life. His first guitar, one of many to follow, was made of cactus. He also played the fiddle and sang. He loved playing for musicals, nursing home residents, dances, and at church. Most especially, he loved picking with Butch.
Art was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Van, Robert, and Billy. His wife Marie passed away on September 20, 2003, and Butch passed on September 10, 2015.
Art is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter in-law Jodi Keating Crudgington; sons Bob Jones and wife Judy, and Lloyd Jones. Grandchildren include Shanna Crudgington Martinez and husband Michael, Cara Crudgington, Jennifer Jones, Alison Amate and husband Jose, Joanna McCord and husband Justin, and Maria Dulaney and husband Todd. His brother Wayne also survives him, as well as 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Some say every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. Art got his wings on December 15 at the age of 86.
Art’s funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, in the Melton-Kitchens Chapel of Memories with Russell Brock officiating. His interment will follow at the Woodson Cemetery under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home staff.
Memorial donations in Art’s name can be made to the ALS Association (als.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) and can be left at the funeral home office. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.
