Luther Crabtree

The Rev. Luther E. Crabtree, 85, of Waco, left for his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at Crestview Health Care Facility in Waco.

The funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, December 29, at OakCrest Funeral Home Chapel, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no set visitation times.

Bro. Crabtree had recently moved back to the Waco area from Cooper, Tx. to be near his daughters and grandchildren. He was born in Merryville, La. on October 2, 1923 to Leo and Frances Crabtree.

He joined the Army and during World War II he was awarded five Bronze Stars for the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, and Rhineland. He received other medals and commendations for his military service.

After his return from the war he married Gladys DeBerry in Liberty, Tx. They had three daughters, Margaret Evans of Waco, Carolyn Brown of Coppell, and Karen Hulsey of Mexia.

He ministered and pastored for over 50 years at churches in Kountze, Hubbard and Cooper.

He also owned and operated Local Exterminator in Hubbard for many years.

Brother Crabtree was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gladys Crabtree, on March 29, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lee Crabtree; two sons, L. E. Crabtree Jr. and Richard Crabtree; a great-grandson, Bryan Jacob Evans; and his son-in-law, James E. Evans.

Besides his daughters, he is survived by his grandchildren, David Evans, Denise LeFever, Phillis Walker, Phillip Brown, Philicia Brown, Brandon Hulsey and Bradley Hulsey; and nine great-grandchildren.

The Crabtree family would like to "Thank" the nurses, aides and staff from Crestview Health Care Center's East Wing where he made many friends and Texas Home Health for everything they did for our Dad during his last days on earth.

Psalm 55:6 "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest."