Jehiel H. Crites

Jehiel was born in Dallas, Texas on October 24, 1920 but grew up in Denison, Texas and attended Lane Elementary and Denison High School. On November 24, 1938, he married the love of his life, Wanda Marie Wilhelm. They were married for 75 years!

During World War II JH traveled the world as he served with distinction in the Merchant Marines. After the war he and Wanda settled in Austin where Jehiel became a licensed master electrician. He was licensed from 1949 to 2013, possibly the longest certified master electrician in Texas. He owned and operated Crites Electric. Jehiel's avocation and passion was tending his vineyard in south Texas. He personally saved numerous Munsen grape varieties from extinction and freely donated cuttings to interested parties. For his efforts, in 2003, Jehiel received the T.V. Munson Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Texas Grape Industry. Another passion of his life was his herd of Shetland ponies which brought great joy and entertainment to Jehiel, his children and grandchildren. Jehiel was an avid reader all of his life.

He is predeceased by his parents Jehiel and Katherine Crites, by his oldest daughter Joyce McNally (husband Don), and by great grandson Kyle Barnes. Jehiel is survived by his wife Wanda Crites and by his children Robert Crites ( wife Barbara), Annette Crites, Karen Thomas (husband Tom-dec.), Steve Crites (wife Terri), Jim Crites (wife Mary), Mary Brooks (husband Mark), Diane Cummins (husband Gregg), and Betty Duke (husband Robert). Jehiel had 23 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM with the funeral service immediately following on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Commitment is at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery thereafter.