Virgil McCrady

Virgil Glenn McCrady entered into rest in Ritzville on May 1, at the age of 83.

He was born in Chehalis, Wash., on June 27, 1928, to Monte F. and Martha M. (Krause) McCrady, his father died when he was 11-months-old.

His mother found work in California and he was raised by his aunt, Molly Schmidt, and his maternal grandparents William and Margaret Krause. Most of his schooling was in Chehalis, where he played running back in football and ran track as a sprinter, long jumper and hurdler for his beloved Bearcats.

After school, he moved to Ritzville where he was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was offered a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant; but turned in down and returned home.

He married Joanne Kessler, in 1956, and together they had four children Kurt, Kole, Klay (deceased) and Kiera.

He was a well-known basketball official, officiating in several high school state tournaments, junior college tournaments and kept a regular schedule of major college games.

He worked locally for Benzel Ford in the auto business for 23 years. He and Joanne moved to Milton-Freewater, Ore., when Benzel Ford closed. Returning to Ritzville in 1991, he worked for Ritzville Auto and Truck until their closing, when he retired. He managed the Ritzville swimming pool and water park and spent a season as assistant manager at the Lind Pool. He coached little league baseball for four years, winning two championships and 95 percent of all games. In 1961, he led an alumni football team to a victory and his basketball teams were good enough to beat the Canadian National Champs in 1961, and his 1985 team won the Washington State Amateur Federation Championship.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons, Kurt and Kole; and daughter Kiera; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation is at the Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville on Thursday, May 10, from 12-5 p.m. A committal service is set for Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m. at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery and followed by memorial services at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville at 11 a.m. Danekas Funeral Home of Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville or Project 56.