Donald Eugene Crites, 77 of Centralia, died Saturday July 20, 2024, at the HST Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia.

Family and friends are invited to Don's Life Celebration 1:00 PM Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia, burial with Military Honors will follow in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the funeral home.

Donald was born on July 18, 1947, in Farmington, the son of Monroe and Mabel (Johnson) Crites.

Donald Served his Country during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he married Florence Lucille Wells on March 6, 1971, the start of a 53 year love story.

Along with his wife Lucille, Don is survived by his daughters, Melissa Crites Rolfes and husband Joe of Kirkwood, Alison Crites Brown and husband Jason of Hallsville; grandchildren, Brittany & Jordan Brown, Kyle, Brent, Trey, & Anna Rolfes; siblings, Cliff Crites, Mike Crites, Delores Crites, Kathy Huffman, Anna Brewer, Lena Jacobson; many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Henry Crites, Monroe Crites, Jr., Betty Henfling, Thelma Penberthy.

Don Loved music, especially playing guitar as often as he could. He worked in construction and was able to fix anything. Don always liked to have a good time, you never saw him without a smile on his face.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the HST Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, or Glendale Memorial Gardens, and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.