Wesley E. "Wes" Crider, Jr.

MARSHFIELD – Wesley E. “Wes” Crider, Jr., 89 passed away at his home on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Wes was born on November 14, 1935, in Hudson, Wisconsin, the son of Wesley E. and Clare (Johnson) Crider. He attended both elementary and high school in Hudson before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for 20 years. His naval career spanned both the Korean War and Vietnam, during which he served aboard seven aircraft carriers, two repair ships, and as a Navy Recruiter in St. Paul, Minnesota, culminating in his honorable discharge and retirement as Chief Petty Officer from the USS John F. Kennedy.

On March 14, 1959, Wes married Anna Yost at the U.S. Navy Receiving Station in Brooklyn, New York. Together, they built a life filled with travel, adventure, and dedication, raising their two children in the many places the Navy took them from coast to coast.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Wes worked as a boiler inspector for several insurance companies and later served as the Chief Boiler Inspector and Assistant Fire Marshall for the State of Vermont — roles he held with diligence and pride.

Wes was a proud member of many veterans’ organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Korean War Veterans Association, the Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Fleet Reserve Association. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow of Boy Scouts America.

In his spare time, Wes enjoyed racing motorcycles in his younger years, tinkering in the garage, target shooting at Barre Fish and Game Club, fishing the Marshfield Dam, collecting Hot Wheels cars, and reading extensively about World War II history. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and never missed a Sunday race. He was known for his patience, kind heart and grace, especially with his grandchildren. His “Far Side” humor brought a smile to so many faces.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Anna (Yost) Crider; his daughter Jo Ann (Crider) Vasseur; his son William Crider and his wife, Kate; his grandchildren Christin (Vasseur) Link and her husband Johnathen, Austin Crider, Eric Vasseur and his significant other Brandy Grimes, Ashley (Vasseur) Bridge and her husband Mike, and Ryan Vasseur and his significant other Jenna Hallstrom; and his great-grandchildren Henry and Oliver Link, and Beau and Amelia Bridge. He is also survived by his family in Pennsylvania he held dear.

In addition to his parents, Wes was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Crider, and his son-in-law, Douglas Vasseur.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Wes’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Rd., Barre VT 05641.

Arrangements are in the care of Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.