Dale Wayne Crites

Dale Wayne Crites, age 79, of Farmington, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2026. He was born in Dexter, Missouri, to Mildred Fern (Brotherton) Crites and Dale Edward Crites.

Dale grew up in Rolla and graduated from Rolla High School in 1965. On October 28, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, June Lynn (Corben) Crites. They shared 56 years of marriage until her passing on September 19, 2023.

Dale began his distinguished career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol after attending the Patrol Academy in Rolla, where he was commissioned in 1968. Assigned to St. Francois County, he became the first Trooper ever stationed in Farmington. Over his 30‑year career, he earned numerous honors, including:

• Life Saving Award, Farmington Optimist Club – 1971

• St. Francois County State Highway Patrolman of the Year – 1991

• Officer of the Year, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop C – 1993

In 1982, Dale completed the Canadian Police College Polygraph Examiner’s Course, becoming one of the first two MSHP Troopers ever trained outside the United States. He retired from the Patrol at the rank of Sergeant in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and dedication.

Dale was deeply committed to his community. He was a 53‑year member of Farmington Elks Lodge #1765, a 53‑year member of Farmington Masonic Lodge #132, a Past Master, and a 32nd‑degree Scottish Rite Mason with 51 years of service. His dedication to service extended far beyond his career. He lived it every day.

Dale is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Scott Crites (Margie Christina Taylor) and Jason Wayne Crites (Erin Kathleen Rasmussen); his grandchildren, Taylor Crites (Samantha Walker), Corben Crites (Angela Abney), Emma Crites, Elijah Crites, Tyler Crites, and Trae Crites; and his great‑granddaughter, Scarlett Crites.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and spending summer days on the pontoon boat. Dale will be remembered for his lifelong service, his devotion to family, and the honorable way he lived his life. His legacy endures in the community he served and the family he loved so deeply.

Visitation will be held at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday, April 24th, with family visitation at 3:00 PM and public visitation from 4:00–8:00 PM. A second visitation will be held at New Heights Church on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00–11:00 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at New Heights Church, with Pastor Rocky Good officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the service at the Masonic Cemetery of Farmington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BackStoppers of St. Francois County, P.O. Box 795618, St. Louis MO 63179-0700 or Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society MASTERS), 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, MO 63785 or https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mshpbfi.  These organizations reflect Dale’s lifelong commitment to law enforcement, service, and supporting those who protect others.