Jerry H. Crites, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Jerry was born August 10, 1949 in Russellville, Arkansas, the son of Eugene and Arlene (Lawler) Crites.  At the age of 3, Jerry and his family moved to Medicine Lodge, Kansas for a couple of years then they moved to Sharon, Kansas where he grew up and attended school.

Jerry was united in marriage to Paula Kay Wyant on August 20, 1976.  They made their home in Russell.  He worked for ABCO Wire for over 20 years and Ralph Sick Carpeting in Russell.  When he was younger he worked as a brick layer in California for a couple of years.  He enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing, bowling with Paula, tinkering with anything mechanical, watching sports and was an avid Nascar and drag racing fan.  But when he had some free time he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife of 41 years, Paula of the home; sons, Jerry Crites (Jennifer Shute) of Ellsworth, Kansas, Justin Crites (Heather) of Great Bend, Kansas; Tony Wyant (Jen Montoya) of Derby, Kansas and Daniel Leise of Guymon, Oklahoma; daughters, Diana Patterson (Eddie) of St. John, Kansas and Sheri Carter of Russell, Kansas; three brothers, Larry Crites (Betty) of Darnall, Arkansas, Rick Crites (Pat) of Attica, Kansas and Lonnie Crites (Tammy) of Anthony, Kansas; sister, Gina Kristeck (Brian) of Wichita, Kansas; 24 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Terry Crites, Toby Crites and Billy Crites.

Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  The family will be present to greet friends the morning of the Service from 9:30 AM to Service time at the Mortuary.  A Memorial has been established as the Jerry Crites Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.