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Clinton Crabtree
0828 Obit-Crabtree

Clinton Crabtree, 89, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. After a short hospital stay, he returned home to spend his final days.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Born in Neosho, MO on March 26, 1924, he fondly talked about his days as a young boy, how he enjoyed growing up in the openness of their farm land and the time he spent with his brother and sisters. He left Missouri in 1944 to join the Navy during WWII. He settled in Salida, CA after leaving the Navy in 1946. It was there he met his future wife, Edna, and they were married on July 5, 1947.

Mr. Crabtree worked in the construction industry for eight years before moving to Colorado in 1954 to start his own construction business. In 1960 he moved his family back to Salida and continued building homes. In 1978, the couple moved to Escalon where they remained. Mr. Crabtree built over 200 homes during his career and was very proud of providing quality homes for families in areas where he and his family also lived.

He loved working hard, spending time with his family, and cherished his time in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He frequented many California lakes and streams with his sons and grandson. He also made numerous hunting trips to Colorado. For 21 years he and wife Edna drove their motorhome to Fairbanks, Alaska to visit family and fish for Halibut and Salmon. On several trips, other family members accompanied them. They fished the Deshka and Kenai Rivers, Cook Inlet, and the Prince William Sound. He used to joke about having lived in Alaska for a total of three-and-a-half years.

He loved animals in general, and in years past owned bird dogs that he enjoyed as hunting companions. He will always be remembered by his loved ones as a kind and gentle man who was devoted to his family. He will be missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Edna; sons, Lyle Crabtree and his wife Jane of Fairbanks, AK, Neil Crabtree and his wife Deanna of Escalon; sister, Wanda Bach of Lansing, KS; and grandchildren Shelly and James from Escalon, and Amanda from Anchorage, AK. His niece, Iola Holmes, has been a neighbor and close friend for many years. He also has numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Della; his brother Lloyd; and sisters, Esther, Delois and Lavonne.

Deegan Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

A chapel service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin St., Escalon.

Burial will be private at Burwood Cemetery.

To send condolences to the family, visit www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.

Donations in his memory may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Aug. 28, 2013