Emory Newton Crites

Emory Newton Crites, age 89 of Walnut Bottom Road, Fisher, WV, passed away Wednesday morning, April, 27, 2016 at his residence with his family by his side. Born November 18, 1926 in Kessel, WV, he was the son of the late Kennie Crites and Bessie Irene(Reel) Crites. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Lee (Baldwin) Crites in December 2015, a son, Leslie P. Crites, a brother, Frank Crites and a sister, Sue Tomalka. A US Army veteran of the Korean war, he was the past Owner of Crites Equipment Co., a dealer of International Harvester farm equipment from 1964 through mid-1990. He was the former owner of Crites Terra Alta livestock market as he was an avid buyer and seller of livestock. A true farmer at heart, he was known for his herd of his favorite Charolais cattle. Known throughout the tri-state area, he was famous at every stockyard 6 days a week, reserving Sunday as a true family day of rest. For numerous years, he hosted Crites Rodeos along with many Crites Equipment pancake suppers. A passionate family man known as The Knight of Kessel, he is a member of the National Jousting Hall of Fame. Surviving is a son, Douglas E. & Cindy Crites of Fisher, WV; five daughters, Karen Colasessano of Moorefield, WV, Aneita & Rick Shirk of Old Fields, WV, Jenny & Roger Riggleman of Moorefield, WV, Marsha & Richard Fulcher of New Holland, PA and Amy Jo & Allan Kile of Fisher, WV; a special son, Jeff Wilkins of Romney, WV; a brother, Albert Crites of Fisher, WV; two sisters, Margaret Conroy of Michigan and Catherine Pratt of Florida; thirteen grandchildren, Josh Shirk, Adam Colasessano, Ashley Shirk Fitzwater, Matt Riggleman, Sarah Fulcher, Brooke Fulcher Fisher, Clint Riggleman, Allie Crites Rohrbaugh, Cassie Rinker, Katlin Shirk, Meagan Crites, Paige Crites & Lindsey Rinker and six great-grandchildren, Micah, Wyatt, Dylan, Sawyer, Addison & Cole. Funeral Services will be conducted 1:00 PM Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Kessel Road, Fisher, WV with Pastors Rebecca VanStavern & Brad Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at the Fultz Cemetery, Fisher, WV. The family will receive friends from 1 7 PM Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Memorials may be directed to the family c/o Douglas E. Crites, 615 Walnut Bottom Rod, Fisher, WV 26818. Condolences, shared memories and photos may be left on Mr. Critess Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com .