Leon Earl Crites, age 91, was raised in Caney, OK, raised his family in Oklahoma City and when he retired in 1976, he moved back to Caney, OK. He was born on Tuesday, April 4, 1933, to Kermit R. and Willie Caldonia (Evans) Crites, at Caney, OK. Leon passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Atoka, OK. He graduated from Caney High School. Leon was a meat packer for Wilson Foods where he retired in 1976.
He married Mary Nelda (Speers) on Saturday, May 12th, 1951 at Caney, OK. She preceded him in death. Leon was of the Pentecostal faith, he did the radio ministry on KHKC Radio for many years every Sunday. He was a member of CASA in Atoka County, Caney First Responder, enjoyed buying and selling stuff, working on lawn mowers, and loved visiting with his family.
Leon is survived by his daughters,JoAnn Coleman of Pink, OK, Martha Porch and husband Greg of Pink, OK; brother, Joe Crites and wife Ann of Caney, OK; sister in law, Pat Crites of Caney, OK; 7 grandchildren, Randy Coleman of Oklahoma City, OK, Ronnie Coleman of Milwaukee, WI, Christie Fitzgerald of Grand Prairie, TX, Brian Porch of Norman, OK, Kevin Porch of Apex, NC, Dustin Porch of Norman, OK, Trinity Petersen of Calera, OK; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Willie Caldonia (Evans) Crites; mother of his children, Mary Nelda Crites Grace; children, Randy Crites, Chris Crites; grandchild, "Little" Chris Crites; son in law, Doug Coleman; brother, Daniel Crites; sisters, Inez Bobbitt, Callie Bonham.
******************************************************************************
DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, July 15th, 2024
PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Rev. David Howard
INTERMENT: Stewart Gammon Cemetery, Caney, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: Robert Petersen, Brian Porch, Dustin Porch, Danny Crites, Randy Coleman, Doyen Crites
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Kevin Porch, Ronnie Coleman, Clint Crites, Chris Fitzgerald, Don Wallace, Derk Meadows, David Bonham
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
VISITATION IS SUNDAY 1-5PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK