Robert DeWeese Critton 12/08/02020

 

Robert DeWeese Critton, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, after a courageous four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob left this world peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter, and two rescue dogs, in his long time residence in Hobe Sound, Florida.
Bob was born on September 10, 1949, in Aurora, Illinois. He had a wonderful childhood with his parents, Bob and Jeanne Critton, and his sister, Joan Critton Runnion. He excelled in academics, swimming, and golf. Bob had many childhood friends that he remained in close contact with throughout his life. He married Amy Klemawesch Critton in August of 1983 with whom he shared his daughter, Samantha, and many beloved "fur children" throughout the years.
Bob received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1971. Prior to receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida in 1976, Bob served his country in the United States Army. Bob was admitted to practice in the Florida Bar in 1976, the District of Colombia in 1984, and the United States Supreme Court in 1981. Bob practiced law as a board certified civil trial lawyer in the West Palm Beach area for over forty years, specializing in general civil and complex commercial litigation. Bob loved the practice of law and felt especially lucky to practice with his current partners and best friends, Mark Luttier and Greg Coleman. Bob was also a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He served his community as a Past President of the Board of Directors of the Drug Abuse Treatment Association, Inc., and was a long time member of the Board of Directors of the Hanley Foundation.
As much as Bob was devoted to his professional life, he was equally devoted to his family and friends. He was an excellent golfer and had many close friends at his second home, McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. Bob was very close with his only child, Samantha, and always wanted to be involved in all of her hobbies and activities, from traveling to Civil War battlefields, surfing in Costa Rica, ski vacations in Colorado and Utah, and cross-fit, even up until the last few months of his life. Bob took Amy and Samantha on many memorable vacations that they will cherish forever.
When Bob was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2016, he made a conscious effort to enjoy every moment and take every trip. Perhaps the most joyful presence in Bob's life was his three year old grandson and "best buddy," JR Whitley. Bob, or "Pa-Ba" as he was known to JR, loved being a grandfather and taking JR to the beach, the golf course, and on many adventures around town. Bob was also looking forward to meeting his second grandson, Robert Critton Whitley.
Bob was always happy to offer advice or just listen to a friend in need. He loved his family, his dogs, and sitting on his porch in Hobe Sound on the river, reading the paper and drinking coffee in his board shorts. He is survived by his wife, Amy Critton, his daughter, Samantha Whitley, his son-in-law, James Whitley, his grandson, JR Whitley, his sister, Joan Runnion, and many loved nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of life will be held for Bob with his family in the beginning of the year. A public memorial will be held in the summer of 2021.