Russell Earl Crites, 87, of Buckhannon, W.Va., died Saturday, February 6, 2021, at the Elkins Regional Convalescent Center in Elkins, W.Va.

He was born September 6, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of the late Herman Earl and Hilda Vera O’Dennis Crites.

He is survived by his wife, Wilhelma H. Krist Crites of Buckhannon; two sons, Raymond Gunter Crites and wife Vicki and Rusty Allen Crites and wife Anne all of Lorentz, W.Va.; two daughters, Christina Reger of Belington, W.Va. and Cindy Paugh and husband Rick of Buckhannon; one grandson, Derrick Paugh of Buckhannon; four granddaughters, Ashley Wilson and husband David of Rock Cave, W.Va., Tammy VanElhn and husband Eric of Goose Creek, S.C., Lisa Crites of Buckhannon and Jacki Crites of Charleston, S.C.; one great-granddaughter, Shelyn Wilson of Rock Cave; one great-grandson, Tykson Paugh  of Buckhannon and two step great granddaughters, Novah and Reagan Wilson both of Rock Cave.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Lindsey Rose.

Mr. Crites served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Upshur County Honor Guard. He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed camping and fishing. He was also a scout leader. Mr. Crites was an electrician and a member of the Lorentz United Methodist Church.

Friends will be received Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Ed Lowther officiating. Burial will follow in the Lorentz Cemetery in Lorentz, W.Va. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct Military Honors at the gravesite.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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