Lawrence William Crites

Lawrence William Crites, passed away peacefully in Wray, Colorado, on February 28, 2023 at the age of 96. Lawrence was married to the love of his life for over 74 years. Lawrence and Jerry were blessed with three children: Terry, Diane, and Deb.

Lawrence was born May 5, 1926 in Armel, Colorado to Fred and Clara Crites and attended Armel High School. He worked at Gates Rubber Company for a short time in Denver, Colorado. After moving back to the Armel/Idalia area, Lawrence married Jerry Brenner on August 14, 1947. Together with his brother-in-law Albert, they opened L & A service station for a short time.

Lawrence then went on to pursue his passion of farming for many years. Lawrence and Jerry farmed and ranched south of Idalia for Amer Lehman. In 1964 they purchased the family farm in Armel and resided on the home place until retiring and moving to Idalia in 1991. After retiring, he enjoyed helping his son, Terry, farm until his vision loss progressed.

Lawrence had an incredible memory and always had stories to tell with dates to go along with the stories. He loved going to dances and playing cards, and after moving to Hillcrest Towers, he looked forward to playing bingo.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Clara Crites, wife Jerry Crites, brother Junior Crites, sister-in-law Marion Crites, sister Lois Crites Madsen, granddaughter Tysee Crites, and great grandson, Jarin Coberly. He is survived by his children Terry Crites and wife Deb, Diane Leisy and husband Bob, Deb Bowman and Jack Budnack.

Grandchildren include Travis Crites and wife Kristal, Trisha Coberly and husband Guy, Tysee Crites (deceased), Tate Leisy and Julia Wilson, Trent Leisy and Julie Ramirez, Kody Leisy and Kelly Harvey, Jamie Twiss and husband Chad, Jason Bowman, Reece Bowman and wife Maggie.

Great grandchildren include Kennedy and Kambell Crites; Caden, Trevan, Beckham and Cambryn Coberly; Ethan Leisy and Gabby Stier, Tegan, Mason, Kalyn, and Bowen Leisy; Gabe, Makinzi, Madeline, and Kaylee Wehrer; Samantha Harvey and Weston Leisy; Braylon and Brynley Twiss; Grady, Gunnar, Bella, Bode and Ava Bowman.

Great great grandchild is Halston Leisy.

Also surviving is brother-in-law Albert Madsen, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at St. John Church in Idalia, Colorado with Pastor Bob Higgins officiating. Interment was held at the St. John Cemetery in Idalia, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the St. John Church.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.