Donald Crites, Jr.

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donald Lee Crites, Jr., age 64 of Joplin, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, after an apparent heart attack.

Born September 5, 1951, in Sheldon, MO, he was the son of the late Donald Lee Crites, Sr., and Dora L. Crites nee Carver and lived in the Joplin area most of his lifetime. A 1969 graduate of Memorial High School, he received his Bachelors of Education from M.S.S.C. and his Masters of Education from William Woods College. A teacher at West Central Elementary School in Joplin for 23 years, he retired from the R-VIII School District in 2013. Don always put his family first as caring for them was his main focus. His daughter, Sarah, was the center of his world. He was well-loved by his friends and always treated people equally and with respect.

Don was a 33rd Degree Mason, past Master of Fellowship Lodge No. 345, A.F.& A.M.; past Worthy Patron of Temple Chapter No. 95, Order of Eastern Star; and a member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Joplin; and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple, Springfield, where he participated in several parade units. He also served on the Ritchey Mansion Preservation Society in Newtonia and was a charter member of Missouri Fur Company.

An avid collector, most recently of Roy Rogers memorabilia, he enjoyed auctions with his family and “ugly twin,” Don Jessen. He loved music and the outdoors, including hunting and fishing.

On August 16, 1975, he married Kathy E. Kempt. She survives.

Additional survivors include a daughter, Sarah E. Crites of Joplin; a sister, Dianne Lewis and husband Michael of Naples, FL; two nieces, Camille Lewis of Naples and Denise Burr of Joplin; along with several extended family members.

Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 505 S. Byers Ave., Joplin. Interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will also be at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shiners' Hospital or Ritchey Mansion Preservation Society, in care of Parker Mortuary.