Robert Freeman Crites

Robert “Bob” Freeman Crites was born November 28, 1936, in Tioga, West Virginia. He was born the 5th of seven children to Roy and Branna Crites. He grew up in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, and attended Gauley Bridge High School. He played varsity football and dated his high school sweetheart Dolores Jean Walker. After graduating high school in 1955, he immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. Bob and Jean would eventually be married on January 5, 1958. Their only child, Robert Steven was born in October 1958.

Bob spent 26 years in the United States Air Force. His career took him all over the world, serving in Guam, the Philippines, Vietnam, Labrador, and Italy, before retiring as Chief Master Sergeant at Castle AFB in California, ending a prestigious and highly decorated career. He was a proud recipient of the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, a 13-National Defense Service Medal, eight Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, two Air Force Presidential Unit Citations, three Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, and many other awards and commendations for his military service. After his retirement from the military, Bob would go on to own Bob’s Community Pest Control, a local company proudly serving the community of Merced for the last 40 years. Some of Bob’s hobbies in retirement included playing golf, deep-sea fishing, and traveling with Jean and their friends.

One of Bob’s biggest joys was his family. He and Jean were blessed to have their son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren living locally, allowing countless weekends spent together grilling on the BBQ, as well as celebrating every birthday and holiday together. Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Dolores Jean, his parents Roy and Branna, his sister Evelyn Batten, and his brothers Roy Jr. and Bill Crites. He is survived by his brothers Arthur Crites, Aubry Crites, and Jim Crites, his son Steve Crites (Serena), grandchildren Michelle Cordoza (Justin), Janel Cumings (Mark), and great-grandchildren Alexa Cordoza, Nathan Cordoza, and Sophia Cordoza, as well as Braden Cumings and Hudson Cumings.

Funeral services for Bob will be held Monday, February 9th at 1:00pm, at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations to The Wounded Warrior Project be made in Bob’s honor. A private reception will follow. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/