1942
2017
Joe Lee Crabtree, age 75 of Midland Texas passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
Joe was born in Brownfield, Texas on October 11, 1942. He graduated from Brownfield High School. He married Mary Sue Myers on July 15, 1961. They were married for 56 Years.
Joe worked as a welder for Crabtree Machine Shop in Brownfield, Texas. He later became co-owner of Slat-Co Printing in Slaton, Texas and then as a Fire Fighter for the City of Lubbock for 21 years. After Joe retired from the Lubbock Fire Department he went to work for the Texas DPS in Midland Texas. He worked for the DPS as a Regional Liaison Office in Emergency Management Department and then as Adjutant.
Joe had a heart and passion for mission work. He was actively involved with the Cambodian Christian Ministries. Joe made five mission trips to Cambodia. He was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, Texas.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Hallie Crabtree; stepmother, Ruby Crabtree and daughter, Teresa Crabtree Mitchell.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Crabtree; son Randal Crabtree and wife Shannon; son-in-law Mitch Mitchell; granddaughters, Meagan Wilson and Noe Crabtree; grandson, Garrett Crabtree; great grandchildren, Tristan Crabtree and McKenna Wilson; two sisters, Wanda Culp and husband Jack and Mary Stafford; brother, Doug Crabtree and wife Mary Beth; sisters-in-law, Laveice Huddleston and Wanda Corbin and husband Dorman and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of wonderful friends.
Joe never met a stranger and was always eager to talk about the Bible and Jesus to anyone who would listen. He had many hobbies and spent many hours a day in his backyard workshop. One of his most prized accomplishments was his little red fire engine that he built himself.
There will be a visitation on Friday, December 8, 2017 at Ellis Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Golf Course Road Church of Christ on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park North.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Cambodia Christian Ministries at 10550 Marsh Lane
Dallas, Texas 75229. This mission was very dear to Joe's heart.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
December 14, 2017
Friend
Terry & Gay LaNelle Newton
Joe is in my personal "Encouragers Hall of Fame"! What a flood of memories have come back to us. We love the Crabtree family and will continue to pray for you.
December 12, 2017
Fay Marie King
I knew your Dad and Mom, many years ago. My daughter, Kathy King Brimberry went to school with Joe's brother, Doug Crabtree. My Mom and Dad were good friends of the Crabtree family years ago......Leonard & Ida Lang...Brownfield. A great family. Deepest Sympathy to all the family. Fay Marie King
December 8, 2017
Myria Sanford
Joe was always a pleasant, friendly man. I always enjoyed visiting with him and Mary Sue at our family reunions. I lost touch with them as I have many of my family but they have always been in my heart. He's in Heaven now with all the family who have gone on ahead. We'll see him again one day. Mary Sue and Randal, may God hold you close and give you comfort. It's never, ever easy to lose someone we love but God is always beside us and our loved ones are healthy and happy and we will see them again.
December 8, 2017
Steve Vaughn
Joe was my friend. He was always there for me when I needed anything.
Joe loved his Lord Jesus Christ and his walk was a witness to his faith.
Heaven has gained a Saint but a hole has been left on this old earth which cannot be filled.
Steve Vaughn
December 7, 2017
Randal Crabtree
You were a great father to me. I learned so much from you growing up and even as an adult. I don't know how you did everything, from teaching bible studies in your care group, building and fixing everything from houses to cars, mission work in India and Cambodia, teaching at One Hope Church, Torah Club, men's breakfast group, & taking care of mom and the house, and so much more. I'm so proud that you are my dad! I'll see you on the other side.
December 7, 2017
Roy Shrode
Joe was a great man with a servant's heart. I am so proud to be able to call him "friend." I know he is in a better place, but I will miss him and his kind words and support.
December 7, 2017
Keith & Diane Bellamy
A good godly man. Joe was always hospitable and a praying man. God bless Mary Sue and the family.
December 7, 2017
Mike Meierhofer
For an "older" guy :) Joe had some of the freshest cutting edge ideas to help us in the mission work in Cambodia. He is going to be greatly missed.
Mike Meierhofer - Cambodia Christian Ministries
December 7, 2017
Gisela Ryan-Bunger
Rest in Peace Joe.....I appreciated your friendship while you were a RLO with TDEM. You were always there when we needed you.
December 7, 2017
So sorry to hear this. Joe was such a sweet, kind, caring young man when we were in school. When I was new to Brownfield High School, he was one of the first to say hello and make me feel more secure. So sorry for you, the family. Joe will be spending Christmas in Heaven with Jesus. That is a wonderful thing, for him. You are in my prayers.
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Funeral services provided by:
Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79705
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