Richard Ward Crites,

Richard Ward Crites, I, age 64 of Hedrick Drive, Moorefield, WV, passed away Wednesday morning, March 11, 2009 at the Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg, WV. Born August 29, 1944 in Petersburg, WV, he was the son of Anna (Drake) Shoemaker of Timberville, VA and the late William W. Crites. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War; was a member of the Denney-Moyers-Pratt Post #9606 V.F.W; a member of the John M. Golliday Post# 64 American Legion and was retired from Pilgrims Pride Corporation. His wife, Helen I. (Reel) Crites, preceded him in death in June 2008. A brother also preceded him in death. Surviving is a daughter, Lisa Crites of Moorefield, WV; two sons, Richard W. Crites, II & Patrick Crites of Moorefield, WV; a foster daughter, Rachael Runions of Moorefield, WV; two brothers, Mike Shoemaker & Mark Shoemaker of Timberville, VA; a step-brother, Elwood Cook of Moorefield, WV; a sister, Debra Shoemaker of Timberville, VA; a half-sister, Christine Rhoe of Ridgeley, WV; three grandchildren, Dakota Rinker, Joshua Crites & Stephanie Crites and two great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, March 13, 2009 at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington St., with Gene A. Kessel officiating. Interment will follow with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the U.S. Army & the Moorefield Veterans Honor Guard at the Woerner Cemetery, Fisher, WV. The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 PM Thursday.