Larry Crites, the Festus parks superintendent, died today (April 30) at age 62 from a cardiac episode, city officials said.
“That’s what we understand,” City Administrator Greg Camp said. “Larry apparently had a cardiac episode Sunday (April 26), was taken to the hospital and had been released. He had another episode today and they apparently were not able to revive him. Needless to say, we’re devastated.”
A family member said Crites died early this afternoon.
Mayor Sam Richards said he has known Crites for many years and is saddened by the news of his passing.
“It was a complete surprise,” Richards said. “He was a valued employee who worked for us for over 30 years. We’re going to miss him. It is a big loss to the city. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Crites started working part-time for Festus Parks in 1981 and became a full-time employee in 1983. He was named the city’s parks foreman in 1989 and was promoted to parks superintendent in 1997.