Obituary of Don R. Crabtree

Don Raymond Crabtree Don R. Crabtree 85, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009. Born December 25th, 1923, in Erwin Tennessee, he was the only child of James and Edith Crabtree. When Don was sixteen he lied about his age to join the Navy. He then joined the Army in 1948, enjoyed a distinguished career, retiring as a Major in 1963. His last post was Fort Huachuca, AZ. and upon retiring settled his family in Tucson. During his marriage to Shirley Crabtree he fathered two sons, Dennis Crabtree, wife Dixie, of Puyallup, WA, and Rick Crabtree, wife Judy, of Roy, WA. In 1969 Don married his beloved wife Helen and this union added a son Archie Anderson Jr., wife Jan, and his loving daughter, Babette Spacone, all of Tucson, AZ. He retired again in 1985 from ASU as the Director of Student Housing. Helen passed away in 2008, which left a hole in Don's heart that couldn't be filled. Don and Helen lived life to its fullest, pursuing their joint love of golf, travel, dancing, and spending time with their family. Don was known as Papa Don to his grandchildren; Timothy Crabtree, wife Maureen, Kristen Kruger, Amanda Crabtree, Drew Crabtree, Abbe Crabtree, Michael Spacone, wife Anne, Matthew Spacone, Cheryl Copper, husband Sean, Kristen Swingle, husband Gary. Don also was blessed with 13 great grandchildren. His love for his family kept him going through this last year of illness but the loss of Helen became too much. As a family we express our heartfelt gratitude to Babette Spacone for the love and care she gave to both Don and Helen the last six years. She truly is an angel on earth. A memorial celebration for Don will be held Saturday October 24th, 10:30 a.m. at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 7650 N Paseo del Norte. In lieu of flowers, please honor Don with a donations to American Diabetic Association or an organization of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Desert Sunset Funeral Home (297-9007).