Larry G. Crites, 62, of Festus died April 30, 2020, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Crites had a 39-year career working for the city of Festus. He began part-time with the city’s Parks Department in 1981, was named the city’s parks foreman in 1989 and was promoted to parks superintendent in 1997. A loving father and grandfather, he always put others first, which made him a friend to all he met. He loved spending time with his family and his dog Toby, and making memories on their camping trips. Born Jan. 12, 1958, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Emma Lou (Deering) and Weldon Crites.
He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 45 years: Marjorie M. (Eubanks) Crites; a son: Jason (Jessica) Crites of Imperial; two daughters: Laura (Ben) Dutton of Barnhart and Cassie (Wesley) Hess of Festus; four grandchildren: Addison Crites, Presley Dutton, Emma Dutton and Carter Hess; a father-in-law: Eugene (the late Becky) Eubanks; his siblings-in-law: Jamie (Helena) Eubanks, Todd (April) Eubanks and Kenny (Marla) Eubanks, all of Poplar Bluff; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City, officiated by Deacon Dan Raidt of Mercy Hospital Jefferson. Memorials may be made to the Festus Parks Department. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.