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.