Obituary of Paul M. Crites

CritesPaul Paul M. Crites As Mr. Crites’ family members gathered around his bedside and serenaded him with gospel songs, Jesus, too, was walking around his bedside and took Paul M. Crites by the hand and led him into Glory Land at 9:15 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the residency of his son Tom and daughter-in-law Treasea, whom had been his caretakers since 2000. He was born on November 10, 1919 in Buckhannon, a son of the late Garland H. and Mary Cutright Crites. On September 21, 1941 at the residence of Mr. Crites’ grandparents, Fay and Zona McCue Crites he married Bertha Elnora Hyre, who preceded him in death on June 25, 2000. In addition to his parents, and wife, he was preceded in death by his two infant brothers, his eldest son Edwin Glen Crites, and granddaughters, Paula Kay Morgan, and Melissa Crites Butler. He is survived by one son, Tom Crites and wife Treasea Wagoner of Glady Fork; two daughters, Paulette and husband Robert Bellott of Arlington, VA and Marcia and husband, Joe Shipman of Glady Fork; one sister, Helen Crites Neely of the Holbrook Nursing Home in Buckhannon; six grandsons, Bill Morgan of Columbus, OH, Rick Morgan, Joey Shipman, Scott Crites, Jeff Shipman and Glen Crites, all of Buckhannon; two granddaughters, Evlyn Crites McClean of French Creek and Tiffaney Wagoner Carpenter of Buckhannon; great-grandchildren, Dave and Dallas Butler of Bridgewater, VA, Christian and Gracie Morgan of Columbus, OH, Logan and Levi Carpenter and Brittany Crites all of Buckhannon, Clinton Crites of French Creek, Joseph Shipman III, of Glady Fork, Hunter Shipman and Tyler Coffin of Glady Fork; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mr. Crites retired in 1982 and had previously worked as a dairy farmer, oil rig worker, and worked in the maintenance department of West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was a member of the Rocky Ford United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Rabbit Beagle Club, and Coon Club. Paul’s family and friends will be received Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 2-8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 11 AM at the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Ogden officiating. Graveside rites and burial will follow at the Rocky Ford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 2-8 PM Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home Funeral Service Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 11 AM Burial Rocky Ford Church Cemetery