Howard Glenn Crites

     Howard Glenn Crites, age 91, of Ithaca, MI, joined his wife in the presence of their Savior on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Schnepp Health Care Center, St. Louis.

     A joint Funeral Service for Howard and Nancy will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Matt Beery officiating. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI.

     Howard was born in Ithaca, Michigan on January 26, 1931, the son of Ora and Donna (Peet) Crites. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1950.      On June 26, 1954, Howard married Nancy Kay Martin at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. They were blessed with nearly 68 years of marriage. She passed away on May 12, 2022.

     Howard proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War serving as a forward observer on the front lines in the 687th Field Artillery. His duties included directing the fire of the 105th self-propelled artillery in battle. His experiences there affected the rest of his life. He loved his country and was a faithful participant in Memorial Day Services and parades. He was a member of VFW Post #7805, Ithaca, MI. Howard always enjoyed the annual Buddy Poppy Sale for the VFW. In his memory, remember to buy a poppy at the VFW Poppy Sale.

     Howard worked for many years building mobile homes and later modular homes at several area factories. Prior to the war he worked for General Motors in Pontiac.     Howard loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He spent many hours attending various events to support his family.  Howard's faith was very important to him. He and Nancy were longtime members of Ithaca Baptist Church and volunteered many happy hours there. They loved their church family.

     Howard is survived by four children: Randall (Diane) Crites of Alma, MI: Rodney (Nancee) Crites of Gladwin, MI; Robin (Roger) Bollinger of Carson City, MI; and Rebecca (Larry) Pryg of Shelby Township, MI; nine grandchildren: Becky Jo Kirkpatrick, Jenny (Cody) Curtis, Bethany (Steve) Powlus, Heather (Kevin) Babb, Jason (Colleen) Crites, Kelly Bollinger, Chris (Cheyenne) Bollinger, Kasey (Justin) Felten, and Luke (Hannah) Pryg; fifteen great-grandchildren: Alexia Kirkpatrick, Cavan Kirkpatrick, Grace Curtis, Mikaela Curtis, Eloise Crites, Henry Crites, William Crites, Brighton Bollinger, Bretlynn Bollinger, Braylee Bollinger, Jamie Felten, Wyatt Babb, BellaJane Babb, Easton Powlus, and Levi Powlus.  He is also survived by three sisters: Linda Frank, Myrna (Rod) Shattuck, and Beverly (Gary) Higgins; brothers and sisters-in-law: Sally Martin, Jerry Martin, Helen Hoard, LaDaun (Dave) Longanbach, Art Burch, Betty Reeves, and Don (Sherida) Burch; and many nieces and nephews.   Howard was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Douglas Howard Crites, brothers and sisters-in-law: Jack Frank, Sr., Duane Beal, Leonard Carl, Sr., Jack (Eunice) Martin, Glen (June) Martin, Virginia (Bill) Ball, Larry (Carol) Martin, Malvelene Martin, Kathy Burch, and Fred Hoard.

     Memorials may be made to the Ithaca Senior Center or Ithaca Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.