Duke Crittenden

Earl M. "Duke" Crittenden (August 30, 1930 – August 31, 2009) was an American citrus magnate and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as chair of the Republican Party of Florida from 1969 to 1971 and as a member of the Florida Citrus Commission. He also served on the Florida Citrus Mutual board of directors.

Early life and education Crittenden was born on August 30, 1930, in Conway, Florida. Raised in Orange County, Florida, he graduated from Orlando Senior High in 1948 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Florida in 1953. In 1959, Crittenden founded the Crittenden Fruit Company. He purchased thousands of acres of orange groves across the state and his company eventually became one of the largest citrus companies in Florida. In 1971, he stepped down as chairman and was succeeded by L. E. Thomas.

In the mid-1970s, Crittenden was indicted, alongside Gurney, for illegal fundraising and influence peddling. Crittenden pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count and was placed on 18 months' probation.

Personal life and death Crittenden was married to his wife, Helen; they had two sons, Earl Jr. and Brian. Upon the announcement of his death, former Congressman Louis Frey reacted by saying: "Duke was a major part of the political scene when the GOP was coming of age in Florida...He was there when we were building the party into a force in the state."