William S. “Bill” Crabtree, age 84, of Marion, Ohio, stepped into his Promised Land early Wednesday morning, December 24, 2014, at home with his loving family by his side.
On October 30, 1930, Bill was born in a cabin built by his father in Scioto County, Ohio, on ground known as “the Promised Land”, the oldest of eight children of the late Sylvester J. and Kathryn (Jeffries) Crabtree.
In May of 1949, Bill enlisted to serve in the U.S. Navy.
Upon his honorable discharge, Bill married the love of his life, Shirley Crabtree on May 31, 1952, in Greenup, Kentucky, then moved to make their home in Marion, Ohio.
For over 42 years, Bill worked as a machinist at the Marion Power Shovel, until his retirement in May of 1991.
A man of deep faith, Bill was an active member of the Marion First Church of the Nazarene, where he was a servant to the Lord helping in any and every capacity needed. A ministry he and Shirley felt especially called to at the church was teaching Pre-School Sunday School, helping him touch every person and every generation in the church.
A “jack of every trade,” there wasn’t anything Bill couldn’t do. He took pride in being able to build or fix anything, and he was always helping his dear family and friends in any way he could.
Most important of all to Bill was his family. He cherished every moment spent with them and would do anything for them.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Shirley Crabtree; six children: Gary (Donna) Crabtree, Terry (Sharon) Crabtree, Jeff (Tammy) Crabtree, Philip (Yolanda) Crabtree, Dave (Debbie) Crabtree, and Emily (Preston) Thacker; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Betty Rose and Rosalie Stevens; four brothers: John, Tom, Steve, and Jim Crabtree; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Crabtree.
His family will greet friends from 5 – 8 p.m. on Monday, December 29th at the Marion First Church of the Nazarene (address below). Services honoring his life and giving glory to God will also be held there at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with Pastors Don Diehl and his grandson Rhett Crabtree officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion First Church of the Nazerene, c/o Children’s Ministries, 233 W. Church St., Marion, Ohio 43302.
Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors (a division of Snyder Funeral Homes) is honored to have been chosen to serve Bill’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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