Edward and Kate Winn Crites in Lubbock, Texas, passing away on
September 26th at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his
parents, brother Ed Vivian Crites and sister Elizabeth Sue Crites.
Buddy was the Lubbock High School Class of 1943 Salutatorian and
enlisted in the Navy that same year. Based upon his academic record
and aptitude tests, he was discharged early from the Navy and
graduated from Tulane University in 1947 with a BBA in Marketing with
an Accounting minor.
On June 21, 1954 he married his best friend and love of his life,
Patricia Eugenia Stearns and they had two children; Earl Eugene "Gene"
Crites (wife Leta) of Lubbock and Thomas Arthur "Tom" Crites (wife
Rubyanne) of Euless, Texas. Earl is survived by five grandchildren;
Krista Crites, Nicole Crites Sharp (husband Grady), Andrew Crites,
Abigail Crites, Leah Crites and two great grandchildren - Owen and
Lanna Sharp. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces Bill
Crites, Tom and Bernice Crites, Lee and Jan Crites, Linda and Randy
Miller and Lota Diane Crites as well as numerous great nephews and
nieces. Pat Crites preceded Earl in death on December 7, 2008 after
54 years of marriage.
In 1947, Earl started what would be a 20 year career with Montgomery
Wards holding several positions within the store as well as regional
management. In 1967, he and Pat moved back to Lubbock to start their
dream of owning their own business, Snelling Staffing Services. Earl
continued to work daily at the business through age 87 he was never
one to retire. In addition to his business interests, he also owned a
cotton farm in southern Terry County where he planted and nurtured a
40 acre peach and pecan orchard.
Earl was active in many organizations. Lubbock Lions Club (past
President), Lubbock Economics Council, Lubbock Knife and Fork Club as
well as serving as President of the Texas Tech Dad's Association,
later known as the Parents Association. He was a lifelong member of
First United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees
and boards as well as teaching adult Sunday School for many years.
Earl had a passion for Texas Tech athletics, Dallas Cowboys, Texas
Rangers and fishing which he referred to as "hydro-therapy." He was
happy chasing bass at White River or Alan Henry Lake, fly fishing for
trout in Colorado or fishing the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. He
also had a love of cars. He was known as an honest, hard-working,
humble person with a quick wit who always had kind words for others
and a smile on his face. He had many friends and will be greatly
missed and never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The
Everliving Church Trust at First United Methodist Church of Lubbock or
your favorite charity.
Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com
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