David Crabtree Obituary

Dr. David Reed Crabtree passed away on February 4th in Sheffield, Alabama after an extended battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and other medical complications.



David was born May 21, 1941 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He attended Harrison High School in Colorado Springs, Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, and the University of Wyoming in Laramie. He was devoted to the education of children and worked as Assistant Superintendent of Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs, Assistant Superintendent of Garfield County School District Re-2 and Principal of Wamsley Elementary in Rifle, Colorado and finally principal of Jefferson Elementary in Greeley, Colorado. He spent his early retirement years living in his beloved San Luis Valley near Fort Garland, Colorado and worked many years for Naturally Santa, Inc. He loved bringing joy and hope to children as their Santa Claus.



David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim, his sister Patricia, and his former wife and the mother of his children, Jeannine.



David is survived by his son John (Lynne) Crabtree and grandchildren Kelli and Ellis of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, daughter Wendi Crabtree (aka Sister Teresa) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, brother Virgil Crabtree of Yuma, Arizona, and brother Dick (Corliss) Crabtree of Fort Garland, Colorado. He is also survived by former wife Karen Buie of Greeley, Colorado and her sons Nathan Buie also of Greeley, and Jason Daves of Elizabeth, Colorado. He had many nieces, nephews and extended family members. David was a loving father, grandfather and friend to all.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Tuscumbia, Alabama or the American Lung Association.