He was born on Nov. 23, 1920, in Paden, to Lorenzo and Sarah (Parsons) Crabtree. He grew up in the Shawnee area. He owned and operated the D. and K. Auto Parts Store in Stroud for several years. He married Mildred Stevens, who preceded him in death. He married Pauline Trent on Jan. 13, 1973, in Stroud. Crabtree moved to Houston, Texas, where he was a used car salesman for about 12 years. He retired and moved to Kingfisher in 1989. He is a member of the Stroud Baptist Church and a member of the Elks Lodge in Shawnee.

Survivors include his wife, Pauline of the  home ; two grandsons, Rick and Todd Crabtree of Houston, Texas; one brother, L.C. Crabtree of Bakersfield, Calif.; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two stepdaughters, Cassandra Campbell of McLoud and Marsha Parker of Kingfisher; three stepsons, George Hill of Tulsa, Ray Dean Hill of Kingfisher and Gary Hill of Sand Springs; 14 stepgrandchildren; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren and four "special" grandchildren, Kortnee, Adam, Nick and Danielle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, seven brothers and two sisters.

Memorials may be made to Kingfisher Regional Hospital. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church with Rev. Rollin Hole officiating.