Albert Crabtree

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Albert Ray Crabtree, 84, Joplin, formerly of Seneca, died February 25, 2015 at his home in Joplin, following an illness. 

Ray was born November 25, 1930 in Neosho, the son of Robert E. and Cora Etta (Murray) Crabtree. He co-owned and operated with his wife, Anna and parents, the Ever Greene Motel for eight years in Miami, OK, while working at B. F. Goodrich. He served in the United States Navy for thirty years and then worked for Vicker’s in Joplin and at Sam’s Wholesale Club. Following his retirement, he pursued his hobby of keeping bees with his wife, Anna, until his health declined. Ray was an active member of the Seneca Church of Christ and Elder of the Neutral Lands Cherokee at Baxter Springs, KS. He had preached in North Miami for a year. Ray and Anna enjoyed time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandpa. 

He is survived by his wife, Anna (Kittrell) of 65 years, whom he married on April 16, 1949 at Reno, NV. Also surviving are one son, Michael Ray Crabtree and wife, Clarita of Rogers, AR; three daughters, Terry L. Dirlam and husband, Michael of Drexel; Billlie Sue Connole and husband, Patrick of Seneca and Raeanna Stamper and husband, Donald of Siolam Springs, AR; one sister, Loraine Hounschell of Joplin; twelve grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Michael Dirlam and two brothers, Leon Crabtree and Eddy Crabtree.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday March 7, 2015, 10:00 AM at Clark Chapel of Memories