All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Dennis Crites Jr.

Dennis Crites Jr., 85, of Buckhannon, died Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. 

He was born Aug. 17, 1933, in Adrian, W.Va., a son of the late Dennis Samuel and Opal Haymond Crites. On April 7, 1955, he was united in marriage to Joyce Louise Cutright Crites, who preceded him in death on Jan. 11, 2004. 

He is survived by one daughter Kelley and husband Dale Currence of Buckhannon; two sons:  Kevin R. Crites and wife Veronica and Roger Kirk Crites and wife Kathy, both of Buckhannon; four grandchildren:  Jeremy Crites and wife Amy, Jenna and husband Jason Kelley, Joshua Zickefoose, and Madison Currence; three great grandchildren:  Lucy and Lillian Kelley and Payton Zickefoose, and another on the way in November; one sister Betty Jean Allman; and several nieces and nephews. 

Dennis was employed by Equitable Life Insurance for 38 years.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served during the Korean War, and was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion and assisted the Honor Guard with many military funeral services. 

He was a member of the Sand Run Baptist Church, the Kesling Mill Lions Club, the Buckhannon Moose Lodge, and was an active recruit for Boys State. 

Those who knew Dennis will fondly remember him as an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and WVU Mountaineers.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 4-7 p.m., at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel.  The funeral will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019, at 11 a.m., at the funeral chapel, with Rev. Donald Butcher officiating.  Interment will follow in the Heavner Cemetery, where the Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Crites family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Crites family has entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel & Cremation Service with the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Election Update: Latest local candidate filings as of Jan. 21

The candidate filing period is underway for West Virginia’s May 12, 2026, Primary Election. Here’s a rundown of who has filed so far for Upshur County and Buckhannon races.

Basketball Bucs move up to eighth in latest WVSACA poll

Buckhannon-Upshur moved up to eighth in the WVSACA poll at 8-3 after a 1-1 week, earning 36 points and preparing to face Class AAAA No. 6 University and Class AAA No. 6 East Fairmont.

Basketball Lady Bucs win second in a row; down Sissonvile, 57-44

Allie Key’s 16 points and 11 rebounds and strong bench play helped Buckhannon-Upshur beat Sissonville 57-44 for their second win of the season, with Madelyn Tucker and Aubrey Key adding 11 each.

Rock Cave man arrested on methamphetamine charge following traffic stop

A Rock Cave man was arrested on charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and conspiracy.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 22, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 22, 2026, with the posted agenda outlining items for discussion and action.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly entering laundromat while it was closed

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly entering the Speed Wash Laundromat after hours while another person stole from the quarter machine.

Upshur County students show gains in reading, math at mid-year benchmarks

Upshur County students posted mid-year gains on i-Ready benchmarks, with fewer students falling behind in both reading and math. Superintendent Christy Miller also flagged chronic absenteeism as a key focus.

Annette Reel

Annette Reel, 67, of Hurricane, WV, an FBI analyst and Christian Fellowship Church member, died January 18, 2026; she is survived by two children, five grandchildren, four siblings, and will be cremated with a later celebration of life.

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney, 99, a former West Buckhannon Methodist Church choir member and longtime resident of the Buckhannon area, died January 18, 2026, leaving three sons, multiple descendants, and a large extended family.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: January 22, 2026

The Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet January 22, 2026; this agenda outlines items to be considered at that session.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.