Obituary of Alan Rexford Crippen

Alan Rexford Crippen age 82, left this world at sunset on April 4, 2022 after enjoying what he called, "an unplanned life". Born on June 16, 1939 in Elmira, NY he was the son of Rexford & Margurite Holton Crippen of Roseville, Pennsylvania. Alan grew up on the family dairy farms in Rutland Township along with his siblings Jack, Joanie, Beverely and Sandy starting during the Post-Depression and World War II years. The family also resided in Deland, Florida for a short time during these growing up years. The influence of his grandmother Grace Crippen provided him with wisdom that he would use and share throughout a life that was destine for adventure. At the age of 15, young Crippen decided to leave home and took a trek hitchhiking on U.S. Route 6 where he traveled as far as Iowa. Discovering the Mississippi, brought a new perspective to the vast big river he had read about in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Running low on funds for this adventure, made him realize his best option would be to return home. The road of life would provide more travel options for his future. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 determined his travel itinerary over the next several years while serving in the 1st Battaltion 8th Marines of the 2nd Division. The Fleet Marine Force was only the beginning of Alan's world travels starting with port of calls in Havana, Cuba, San Jaun, Puerto Rico and Panama, along with other exotic destinations throughout the Caribbean Sea. In the summer of 1958, President Eisenhower ordered the fleet to the Mediterranean in Operation Blue Bat which involved the U.S. combat landing in Beirut, Lebanon. "Crip" as his fellow Marines called him, was ready to hit the beach with his luggage consisting of a field pack and a .50cal Browning machine gun. He recalled that his rifle company came under fire in a rock quarry during the operation and it took the force several weeks to secure the country back for the local citizens. The tour for the fleet also included stops in Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Following his service in the Marine Corps, Alan returned home and married a local girl named Barbara Jenkins in 1961. A move to Washington D.C. followed when Alan joined the Metropolitan Police Department and became a beat cop but was soon assigned to vice investigations because of his prior military experience. After gaining experience in law enforcement, Crippen joined the U.S. Secret Service and was assigned to the White House Police Force guarding President Lyndon Johnson and the First Family at the White House. Alan & Barbara also started a family during this time having three children which included Alan II, Michael and Michelle. Washington D.C. was a turbulent city in the 1960s with all the protests that led to violence and as parents, Alan & Barbara decided to return to Tioga County to raise their young family. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill for college paved the way for a 30-year career in education. Alan attended Mansfield State College and graduated with the class of 1969 earning a bachelor's degree in education. Soon after he earned a Master's Degree in 1972. Crippen was employed as a teacher for the Wellsboro Area School District and Philipsburg-Osceola School District. In addition, he taught several summers at the Elmira Correctional Facility. He enjoyed sharing his personal experiences with his students in the classroom which made learning fun and interesting. His community involvements included participating in activities with the Mansfield Area Jaycees, marching in parades with the Mansfield VFW Post 6757, helping mentor students with the Ski Club at Wellsboro and coaching the girls' softball team at Philipsburg-Osceola School District. Alan was a true patriot who loved his country and continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Navy Reserve. He retired from the Seabees as a Chief Petty Officer but would continue public service as Rutland Township's constable for more than a decade. Additional government service included working as a regional coordinator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helping to rebuild the communities in the Northern & Southern Tiers after Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Making a Congressional bid in the 1974 democratic primaries for the 10th District in Pennsylvania was a rewarding experience but the "Crippen for Congress" campaign fell short of victory although he won every county except Lackawanna. After retiring, Alan spent time at his Winter home in North Ft. Myers, Florida. Using his love of history and experience as an educator, Alan volunteered as a docent at the Edison-Ford Estates. In addition, he was an active member in the Sons of The American Revolution at the Caloosa Chapter. Over the years his passions included traveling and visiting historical sites, political discussions, sailing his boats, skiing with family and friends, reading and collecting books for his library and mentoring young people. During his final years, Alan began writing down his memoirs about his life experiences. His grandson, Adam Taylor observed, "that everyone in this world has a story to tell, the story of how they got to where they are today. Some people have a much more eventful story to tell than others. Those who worked hard to have an interesting life would love nothing more than to have their story told". When Alan passed away at home with his family members by his side, his last words included, "It's a Beautiful moment." A fitting statement for the man who was blessed with a wonderful life and the legacy he leaves behind. Alan is survived by his wife; two sons, Alan Rexford (Leonor) Crippen II of Hillsdale, MI and Michael Lester (Brenda) Crippen of Gillett, PA; a daughter, Michelle (Quinton) Taylor of Batavia, NY; a sister, Sandra (Harvey) Woodburn of Elmira, NY; seven grandchildren, Christina Brown, Zachary Crippen, Brittany Basile, Schuyler Crippen, Felicity Crippen, Catherine Taylor, Adam Taylor; and ten great grandchildren, Esther, Lucy, Leo, Dominic, and Silas Crippen, Edmund and Edith Brown, and Lydia, Luke and Levi Basile. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Beverly Jean Watson, Joan Varhas, and Jack Crippen, and a daughter-in-law, Michelle (Buzby) Crippen. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 10 A.M. at Roseville United Methodist Church with Pastor Kitty Keller officiating. Burial will take place in Roseville Cemetery in Mansfield, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roseville United Methodist Church 4118 State Rte 549, Mansfield, PA, Wounded Warriors 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA, https://www.pawoundedwarriors.org/donate and the Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.