Alan F. Crites

Alan F. Crites, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) 80 years of age, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2005. Al was born and raised in Lane, Kansas. A handsome young man. Al was known as an outstanding student and excellent athlete. He enjoyed a distinguished military career that spanned 37 years of service to his country. He was an extraordinary pilot whose assignments took him to all corners of the world. He had many interesting adventures but he especially enjoyed sharing stories about two of them playing baseball against Joe DiMaggio, hitting the winning run and receiving the autographed game ball and, many decades later meeting and having his picture taken with President George W. Bush. Al was a simple, kind, generous and humble man and was viewed as a larger-than-life character with a wide circle of friends from all walks of life, who were drawn to him by his warm and witty personality. He is survived by his children, Alana Clayton, Alan Crites, Cynthia Crites and stepson John Robert Venneman and wife Krissy. Other survivors include grandchildren Lorrie Cheshier and husband Rob, and Catherine Dadey and husband John and great-grand children Brandon, Colton and Avery Cheshier and Evan and Alec Dadey, nieces Polly Johnson and husband Ray, Jane Schroeder and partner Maureen Harrop and great-niece Jennifer Johnson. A memorial service to honor this special man will be held on Monday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church Garden Chapel. Al will be laid to rest at a later date in Lane, Kansas next to his mother, Edith Ebrecht Crites. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Lane United Methodist Church, Lane, Kansas 66042 or to the charity of your choice. His family wishes to especially thank Dr. Mark Thornton, Dr. Steven Kalter and Francisca Nava for the exceptional personal and special care that they gave Al Crites during his illness. Memorial Funeral Home