Edward Lee Crite, age 95, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in the home he resided in with his Daughter and Son-In-Law in Pontoon Beach, IL.
Edward was born on March 23, 1929, in Kokomo, Indiana to parents Leonard and Kathryn Bishop-Crite. He and his parents moved to Olive Branch in Southern Illinois, where he was employed by Bruce’s Hardware flooring plant. He later moved to Chicago, IL for work at an aluminum extrusion plant.
In Spring of 1950, Edward met his Bride-to-Be, Opal Elizabeth Quinn. They were married on November 11, 1950. On September 27th, 1951, they welcomed a daughter, Gloria Diane. Edward and his family then moved to Hartford, Illinois. He worked at Alton Boxboard Plant. Edward served in the Army National Guard of the United States and Illinois National Guard until his Honorable Discharge on January 24th, 1952.
In 1959, he began employment at Otis Elevator Company, which later became Connell Company, as a forklift mechanic. Edward and his family then moved to Edwardsville, Illinois. They welcomed another daughter, Sheila Rene’ on December 15th, 1962, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, Illinois.
In 1972, Edward became a licensed Minister with the Assembly of God Organization. He pastored two churches until 2005 when he retired after 32 years. He and Opal began attending Liberty Worship Center (formerly 1st Assembly of God in Edwardsville, Illinois, where he served as Associate Pastor until 2014. Edward became a widower when his sweet wife passed away on April 13, 2018, after a lengthy illness.
In addition to his wife Opal, Edward was preceded in death by his brother Howard Crite who died in infancy, Father Leonard Crite, Mother Kathryn Bishop-Crite, Step-Father, Everett Full.
Edward leaves behind two daughters, Gloria Diane Crite-Alder and Son-in-Law, Kenneth Lee Alder of Martinsburg, WV, Sheila Rene’ Crite-Sorrell and Son-in-law James Eldridge Sorrell of Pontoon Beach, IL, Edward is also survived by four Grandchildren, Michelle Alder, Michael Alder, and Angel Alder, and Adrianna Sorrell. In addition, there are 12 great grandchildren. Dakota, Kamrie-lyn, Grace and Michael (Jr), Wesley and Waylon, and Jessa and Josiah, Aria, Brandon (Lil B), Braylon, Savanna, and Sebastian.
In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL. The funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Mark Maynard officiating. Interment will be in Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana, IL.
Memorials – Calvary Life Church, 4650 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
