John E Crites

John Enos Crites passed away peacefully at the age of 99, on January 2, 2026.

John was born in Zalma, Missouri, on December 28, 1926, to William Enos and Mamie Brown Crites. Shortly after his birth, his mother passed away, and he was raised by his paternal uncle, Avery (Sadie) Rosewell Crites, whom he affectionately called “Pops”.

As a youth he loved westerns, a passion that would continue his entire life through his favorite books, tv shows, and movies. He was a 1945 graduate of Lutesville High School, and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years in World War II as a Military Policeman guarding the railcars in the European theater.

After returning home, through a group of friends, he met Velma Geraldine Peek. Their relationship blossomed into a lifetime partnership, and they married on October 8, 1948, at Maple Avenue Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. They had two daughters, Cathy and Jane, and they were the bedrock of the Crite’s family for 74 years until Velma’s passing in 2022.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, John went to work as a salesman and delivery driver for Borden’s ice cream. When often asked what his favorite flavor was, he'd simply confide that Fudge Ripple was because it paired best with his favorite meal, fried fish and hush puppies. Later in life he would get off the road and work closer to home, finding employment at the Lewis bakery, working the morning shift where he labored and helped fry their famous doughnuts. He carried with himself an undeniable work ethic, always prioritizing waking up and working early, often getting on the road as early as 3:30 am.

Following in his father-in-law’s footsteps, John joined Westview Lodge #103 in Millersville, Missouri, in 1951, and was raised a Master Mason on November 15th of that year. John Crites went on to have a prolific journey in Freemasonry. He served as a seven-time past master of Westview #103. He continued his path further into the York Rite by serving and leading for over 50 years in Wilson Chapter R.A.M. #75, Cape Council R. & S.M. #20, and Cape Commandery K.T. #55. John was also a 50 plus year member and leader of Oak Ridge Chapter 310 of the Order of Eastern Star. Due to his dedication and character, he was later elected to the Knight York Cross of Honor, Allied Masonic Degrees, Red Cross of Constantine, and Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. He joined the Shrine shortly after it formed a club in Cape Girardeau in the early 1970’s.

John received just about every Masonic award one can receive over his years, but his greatest personal achievement and passion was being able to recite the lessons of Freemasonry from memory. His prose and prowess made him one of the most captivating and consistent lecturers in the entire state of Missouri. However, if asked, he would humbly state that raising his two grandsons to Master Masons was his greatest honor. Conservative estimates would put him in the thousands of lives touched by his oratory work that he did for Freemasonry in Southeast Missouri over his 74 years with the organization.

When he wasn’t at work or in the Lodge, you could find him bird watching, gardening, farming, and overall enjoying the great outdoors. He served as an adult leader in Troop 2 Boy Scouts of America overseeing two of his grandsons to the rank of Eagle & one to Life Scout. His love of scouting permeated into his personal life as he and Velma loved to travel and camp at State Parks. No matter rain or shine, you could find them in the evening, both diligently working on a puzzle that covered the entire table.

While John and Velma only had two daughters their modest house served as the home for three generations of the Crites family, including his daughters, grandson David, and great-granddaughters Cadie and Xoie. There was very little time when the family wasn’t filling the house with love, cheer, and activity. Both John and Velma were longtime members of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Surviving are his two half-brothers Sam Crites of St. Louis and Henry (Marie) Crites of Virginia; two nieces, Kandy Peek of Cape Girardeau and Janis Koch of Jackson; son-in-law, Mike (late Jane) Foeste of Tennessee; grandsons, Chris (Lauren) Foeste and Rob Foeste of Cape Girardeau, and David (Evie) Crites of St. Louis; great-grandsons, Chase and Ryan Foeste; and great-granddaughters, Cadie and Xoie Crites.

John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Herman, Homer, Herbert, Verneda, Ocie, and Ollie Crites; his wife Velma; and both daughters Cathy Crites and Jane Foeste.

Visitation will be from 10 am to Noon, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. At 12 p.m., Masonic rites will be delivered by the Commandery of Knights Templar, and the Masonic Lodge. Thereafter, the Rev. Scott Moon will conduct the funeral service.

At 2 p.m., the Rev. Moon will conduct a brief committal ceremony followed by military honors, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, where John will be laid to rest with his wife, Velma.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Masonic Home of Missouri.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath this article.