MORLEY, Mo. -- Jerry T. Crites, 61, of Morley was born Oct. 10, 1940, near Sturdivant, Mo., son of Ernest B. Crites of Puxico, Mo., and the late Hazel Cooper Crites.

He passed away Thursday, Sept. 12, 2002, at his home.

Jerry was a 1958 graduate of Puxico High School. He earned a bachelor of science and master of arts degree in counseling education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girar-deau.

During his career as a teacher, he taught at Advance, Mo., taught history and coached basketball at Zalma, Mo., was a counselor at Leopold, Mo., and was with Scott County Central Schools 25 years as a guidance counselor and high school principal.

He served as a cheerleading sponsor and was on the Missouri State Beta Club Council. He was a certified school bus driver instructor before retiring in 1996.

Jerry returned to Scott County Central Schools in 1999 to work part time as special education process coordinator, a position he held until poor health forced him to limit his activities. He was also a hail and multi-peril adjuster for Farmers Mutual, Rain, Hail and Farm Bureau Insurance Co.

He was a member of Missouri State Retired Teachers Association, MOCASE, Community Teachers Association, and past member of Puxico School Board. He was a member of Kinder Chapel Church.

Jerry and Marjorie Ann Ward were united in marriage Aug. 15, 1959, at Puxico, and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael D. Crites of Morley, John T. and Christy Crites of Oran, Mo.; a brother, Gregory Crites of Jackson, Mo.; four grandsons, Allen Crites of Morley, Justin Crites of Paragould, Ark., Mitchell and Shane Crites of Oran.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Brothers Jim Matthews and Scott Foster officiating. Burial will be in Puxico Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Cookson, Ira Ray Tucker, Aquilla Blissett, Fred Johnson, Danny Farmer, Jack Doublin, Charles Placher and Ron James.

Memorials may be sent to Jerry Crites Scholarship Fund, c/o Scott Central High School, 20794 State Highway 61, Sikeston, Mo. 63801.