Obituary
Guest Book
1921
2012
William L. "Bill" Crabtree, 90, of Coldwater, passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 at The Laurels of Coldwater. He was born March 17, 1921 in Bethel Township to William Richard and Estelle Beatrice (Baggley) Crabtree. He married Eloise Fellers on June 5, 1942 in Coldwater. She preceded him in death August 24, 2008.
Bill lived in the Branch County area most of his life, graduating in 1939 from Bronson High School. He served in the U. S. Army as a Military Policeman. He was Quality Control Supervisor for 33 years at Midwest Foundry where he retired in 1981.
Bill was an active member of the First Baptist Church where he attended the Leaders Sunday School Class.
He was a lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans, where he was a representative on the Veterans Trust Fund, the D.A.V. Veterans committee and a board member of the World War II Veterans.
He enjoyed playing shuffleboard, cards and fishing. He was an avid fan for MSU and U of M but his loyalty was with the Detroit Tigers.
Bill is survived by his children; Vicki Brattin of Coldwater, Sharilyn Crabtree of Albuquerque, NM, Roy Crabtree of Decatur, IN, Cindy (James) Connell of LaGrange, GA, 7 grandchildren; Roger (Marian) Brattin, Vincent (Susan) Brattin, Brian (Julie) Brattin, Laura (Dan) Lopez of Coldwater, Debbie (George) Bracken of Brighton, MI, Adam (Lisa) Connell of LaGrange, GA and Joshua(Rebecca) Connell of Smyrna, GA. 14 great- grandchildren and 5 great- great- grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise, his parents and a brother Malcolm in 1986.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Putnam Funeral Home in Coldwater. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater with Pastor David Pierce officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Grove cemetery with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Coldwater.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 17, 2012
Charlene Stone
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
March 5, 2012
CJ Burrell
Aloha from Hawaii and sympathy to all those who loved Grandpa Crabtree! He left a wonderful family as a legacy, and I hope you can derive great comfort and support from each other. Sorry I am so far away!!!
March 5, 2012
Dianne Matthews
Cindy and Jim, We are so sorry about your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you . We will be thinking of you and your family during this time and the service. Please be careful on your trip home and remember we love you. Dianne and Jimmy Matthews
March 5, 2012
Sarah Thayer
Shari, so sorry your Dad has gone. My prayers are with you and your family. Sarah Thayer
March 4, 2012
Condolences from the family of Dawson Lyon. Bill will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Bill was my dad, Dawson Lyon's boss at Midwest Foundry and they were great friends until my dad's unexpected death in 1980.
Karen Lyon Cranham, Lafayette IN
March 4, 2012
Betty Fagundes
Cindy & Jim,
You and YOURS are in our prayers, we feel like we know your Dad a little by reading the messages. Please know we are thinking of you as you walk this "WALK" and as you begin your travels home again.
Joe & Betty Faundes
Lagrange, Georgia
March 4, 2012
Randy Crabtree
Going to miss you Uncle Bill. May God give you a manison . Say Hi to Mal and Marg for us. Love Randy&Karen Crabtree
March 4, 2012
Roger & Paula Sharp
We always enjoyed those Tuesday night pizza dinners with your Dad when he came to visit in LaGrange. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
March 4, 2012
Skip & Kim Shook
To my old Bluegill Buddy. Bill I always looked forward to talking to you on your walks around the neighborhood. Made me happy to see the smile on your face when I dropped off some Bluegills for the pan.
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