DEL NORTE — Harry “David” Crites, 78, of Del Norte, passed away Aug. 27, 2019 in his home,

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses. Located one mile west of Monte Vista, on the North side of Highway 160. All are welcome to join in a celebration of David’s life.

David was born the youngest of nine children on August 9, 1941 in Unionville, Ind. to Harry and Mary Crites. He went to a one room school until the 8th grade. David went to Bloominton High School and graduated in 1960. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother to his Christian congregation and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

David Married Betty Jo Strother Dec, 26, 1962 and celebrated 56 years of marriage together. They had three children Marty Crites of Del Norte, Cheryle (Bill) Ray of Ellettsville Ind., and Kim (Robert) Gonzales of Del Norte. Having 10 grandchildren: Jolyn Crites, Brittney Arthur, Desire Harris, Angelica Gonzales, Grayson McKee, James Crites, Robert Gonzales Jr, Alexis McKee, Rebekah Sanchez and Isabella Gonzales. He also had 10 great-grandchildren: Dante Crites, Aryanna Crites, Kaydo Gonzales, Alyssa Crites-Harris, Dimitri Wade, Maritza Sanchez, Zacheriah Crites-Harris, Demar Roybal, Amaya Crites and Keeda Bergamo at the time of his death he cherished time spent with each.

While in Indiana, David worked at Full O Pep, then Indiana Gas, and Franklin Manufacturing. They made their family home in Bloomington, had a large family of relatives and Christian brothers and sisters whom they have stayed friends with and visited often over the years. They came west to a Theocratic convention and loved the mountains. David said he had to decide whether he wanted to move to Colorado or Montana. Colorado it was.

David took his family, left family and friends in Indiana in 1972 to move to Del Norte and start a new adventure and created Crites Heating and plumbing business. This business grew and eventually became Crites Construction. As a successful business owner, he supported his family and made many friends and business relationships over the years. He also helped to build the Jehovah’s Witness congregation’s in the area serving as an elder for many years and then an active publisher spreading the good news. He wanted everyone to have a chance at life in paradise.

David enjoyed hunting, the mountains, traveling all over the U.S., usually making it a family trip that included a religious convention. He enjoyed 4x4 trails and camping until his health wouldn’t allow it. He was also quite a wood craftsman. He purchased oak from Indiana and constructed all of the woodwork in their family home and made several headboards and china cabinets before the dust bothered him so that he had to quit. He most loved time with friends and family. Dave did not know a stranger. He was an outgoing friendly person who enjoyed getting to know others and many enjoyed getting to know him as well. He loved his God Jehovah and spreading the kingdom ministry as one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Most of his life was spent surrounded by family. His family as well as his witness brothers and sisters whom he loved and held very dear.

Though he had many health issues and hardships throughout the years his faith nor his love of people never wavered. His kind heart and smile will go on in us.

He is survived in death by his wife Betty Crites, his children and grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews’ friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings.

Cremation was chosen and arrangements in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.