Earl Ray Crites

Earl Ray Crites, of St. Peters, MO, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018, at the age of 85. Loving husband of the late Rosemary M. Crites; beloved son of the late Albert and Ruth Crites; devoted father of Patty (Pat) Ledbetter, Mike (Jill) Crites, and Tim (Traci) Crites; cherished grandfather of Chad Ledbetter, Zachariah Crites, Cory Ledbetter, and Jenna Tolliver; treasured great-grandfather of Tate Ledbetter, Aiden Crites, Alex Crites, Shalynne Tolliver, Bradley Ledbetter, Pru Ledbetter, Jessalynne Tolliver, Mackenzie Ledbetter, and Audrey Crites; dear brother of Verna Mae (the late Paul) Ringwald, Bobby Joe (Joy) Crites, and Richard (Gloria) Crites, and brother-in-law of Ted McCarty. Earl is preceded in death by his siblings, Roy (the late Wanda Lee) Crites, Mary McCarty, Shelby (the late Wayne) Belcher, and Junior “Lee” (the late Judy) Crites.

Earl will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He proudly served his country with honor in the United States Army and was a charter member of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon. Earl was retired from Ft. Zumwalt School District, and in his free time he enjoyed working in his garden, growing a bountiful tomato harvest every year that he generously shared with family and friends. He was an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved coaching little league baseball. Earl also enjoyed camping, but nothing meant as much to him as spending time with family, especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earl was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made in Earl’s honor to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.