William Jackson "W.J." Crabtree

W.J. Crabtree, 84, of Coleman, Texas, died Thursday, October 31, 2013 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at a later in Hardy, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

He was born William Jackson Crabtree on March 20, 1929 in Hardy, Arkansas to Burl Crabtree and Ethel Davis Crabtree. He grew up and attended school in Kennett, Missouri. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, W.J. married Maxine Lamb in Rector, Missouri in 1951. We worked for Atwood Manufactory in Rockford, Illinois for 42 years as a set-up man in the plate department. After retiring, W.J. returned to the family home place in Hardy. After the death of Maxine on February 27, 1994, W.J. moved to Coleman and married Darlene McKinney Robison on January 20, 2000 in Fredericksburg, Texas. W.J. and Darlene made frequent trips to Hardy. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene Crabtree of Coleman; two daughters, Karen Findley and husband, Jeff, of Rockford, Sandy Farnham and husband, Greg, of Rockford; one sister, Pearl Jones and husband, (J.C.) of Bixby, Oklahoma; two step-sons, Larry Robison and wife, Karen, of Spring, Texas, Ted Robison of Coleman; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

W.J. was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine; one brother, Marvin Crabtree; one step-son, Pepper Robison; one grandson, Robert Robison and one great-granddaughter, Amory Jolea Vanpelt.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com