Charles Jackson Crites Sr.

Charles Jackson Crites Sr., 76, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Services are set for 1:00pm on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas 79701. Charles was born to Ben and Una Crites on October 8, 1935 in Galveston, Texas. Charles attended Midland High School, where he was a member of the Bulldogs football team. After graduation, he joined the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He also played football in the Air Force and was a Golden Gloves boxer. He married Sammie Crites on October 23, 1970 in Monahans, Texas. Charles worked for Dowell Schlumberger until 1989 when he retired and began working as a consultant for DWC before retiring for good in 1996. In his spare time, Charles was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and he helped organize and sponsor the Annual Oilfield Trash fishing trip at Lake Amistad. He was known as Grandpa Charlie to so many who knew and loved him, and he treated them all as if they were his own. He was preceded in death by his parents. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years, Sammie Crites of Midland; six children, Charles Jackson Crites Jr. of Junction, Cynthia Mathis and husband, Nathan, of Snyder, Curtis Jay Crites and wife, Samantha, of New Braunfels, Charla Crites of San Angelo, Ben Crites and wife, Amanda, of Midland, and Connie Melton of Midland; a brother, Billy Crites and wife, Gloria, of Midland; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whom he loved very much. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who were dear to his heart. In lieu of flowers, the family believes Charles would be honored to have donations made to Gifts of Hope, P.O. Box 1323, Midland, Texas 79702. Condolences may be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com.