DEAN CRITES

JACKSON, Mo. -- Dean Crites, age 49, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2001, at his home after a courageous battle against cancer. Family and friends were at his side. Friends may call Sunday, July 29, between 4-8 p.m. at the McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral service will be Monday, July 30, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment in Russell Heights Cemetery. Rev. John Rice will officiate.

Dean was born Feb. 28, 1952, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late John H. and Bette Slinkard Crites. He was baptized and confirmed at New McKendree Methodist Church in Jackson, where he was still a member. He was an active Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout while in Troop 311.

Dean was a 1970 graduate of Jackson High School, where he was active in sports, band and student council. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1975 with a bachelor of science in business management, majoring in accounting. For the past 23 years he had been employed by the City of Jackson, most recently as the data systems manager. Dean was an avid golfer and a faithful fan of SEMO basketball and Jackson High School sports.

Survivors include his loving companion, Debbie Fehr Mayfield, and her son, Dustin, of Jackson; two brothers and their wives, Alan and Dixie Crites and Rex and Alice Crites, all of Jackson; six nieces, Courtney, Kaitlin, Kacie, Kylie, Heather and Holly; one nephew, Cody; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Dean Crites Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Jackson High School, or New McKendree United Methodist Church Sound System Fund.