In Memory Of
Clifford W. Crites
1916
2012
Clifford W. Crites
June 9, 1916 — March 21, 2012
Clifford W. "C.W. Bill" Crites, 95, of Junction City, KS passed away at his home surrounded by his family March 21, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2012 at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Phil Fischer officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 804 N. Jefferson St., Junction City, KS 66441 and/or the Shriner's Children's Hospital, 336 South Santa Fe, Salina, KS 67402-2778.
Bill was born June 9, 1916, Hinton, OK to William P. and Clara M. (Jameson) Crites. He grew up on a 400 acre farm in Oklahoma during the depression and dust bowl which taught him the life of hard work. He graduated from Hinton High School class of 1933 and was the last classmate surviving. He went to Auctioneer College in Aurora, MO and graduated from there in 1937.
He served in the U S Army from April 15, 1943 to May 6, 1948 and was honorably discharged as Captain from Fort Riley, KS. Bill and his family were diligent and successful in business and sold livestock at the Geary County Annual 4-H County fair for over 30 years.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Union Lodge, #7, the American Legion, Shriner's, the Noon Kiwanis, a previous member of the Real Estate Board, Junction City Chamber of Commerce Board and the Auctioneer Association. He served for 8 years on the State Realtors Association Board. Bill was the last living charter member of the Noon Kiwanis. Bill was elected as Geary County Sheriff in 1952 and served from 1953 to 1957.
He married Mary Findley March 1, 1946 she survives of the home and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He owned and operated Crites Real Estate and was a Broker, Auctioneer and Appraiser, he retired in 2002. Bill loved to travel and he loved his garden. He enjoyed the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, and loved entertaining with his many stories. He and Mary were very active with the local and state democratic party for many years.
Bill is also survived by his children; Carol Walker of Colorado Springs, CO, Janet Beaty (Jack) of Seaside, CA, and the twins Catherine Crites of Junction City, KS and Clifford W. Crites II (Laurie) also of Junction City. Nine grandchildren; Diane Johnson (Alan) of Waverly, IA, Steve Beaty (Joanna) of San Mateo, CA, Jill Barela (Eric) of Omaha, NE, Matt Beaty (Amy) of Foster City, CA, Robin Warne (Gabriele) of Carbondale, IL, Amber Crites and Kristin Crites of Lenexa, KS, Clifford W. Crites III of Junction City, KS and Ian Christensen of Santa Barbara, CA and six great-grandchildren; Hayley, Jessica, Alyssa, Caden, Sam and Sadie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Wilma Stoppelman and Helen Westhoff and his son-in-law Bud Williams.
Bill was born June 9, 1916, Hinton, OK to William P. and Clara M. (Jameson) Crites. He grew up on a 400 acre farm in Oklahoma during the depression and dust bowl which taught him the life of hard work. He graduated from Hinton High School class of 1933 and was the last classmate surviving. He went to Auctioneer College in Aurora, MO and graduated from there in 1937.
He served in the U S Army from April 15, 1943 to May 6, 1948 and was honorably discharged as Captain from Fort Riley, KS. Bill and his family were diligent and successful in business and sold livestock at the Geary County Annual 4-H County fair for over 30 years.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Union Lodge, #7, the American Legion, Shriner's, the Noon Kiwanis, a previous member of the Real Estate Board, Junction City Chamber of Commerce Board and the Auctioneer Association. He served for 8 years on the State Realtors Association Board. Bill was the last living charter member of the Noon Kiwanis. Bill was elected as Geary County Sheriff in 1952 and served from 1953 to 1957.
He married Mary Findley March 1, 1946 she survives of the home and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He owned and operated Crites Real Estate and was a Broker, Auctioneer and Appraiser, he retired in 2002. Bill loved to travel and he loved his garden. He enjoyed the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, and loved entertaining with his many stories. He and Mary were very active with the local and state democratic party for many years.
Bill is also survived by his children; Carol Walker of Colorado Springs, CO, Janet Beaty (Jack) of Seaside, CA, and the twins Catherine Crites of Junction City, KS and Clifford W. Crites II (Laurie) also of Junction City. Nine grandchildren; Diane Johnson (Alan) of Waverly, IA, Steve Beaty (Joanna) of San Mateo, CA, Jill Barela (Eric) of Omaha, NE, Matt Beaty (Amy) of Foster City, CA, Robin Warne (Gabriele) of Carbondale, IL, Amber Crites and Kristin Crites of Lenexa, KS, Clifford W. Crites III of Junction City, KS and Ian Christensen of Santa Barbara, CA and six great-grandchildren; Hayley, Jessica, Alyssa, Caden, Sam and Sadie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Wilma Stoppelman and Helen Westhoff and his son-in-law Bud Williams.
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, March 25, 2012
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson & Mass-Hinitt
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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