Gilbert Stanley “Stan” Crabtree, age 81, passed away on March 19, 2026 in Gilmer, Texas.

Stan was born on December 8, 1944, in Oak Hill, Ohio, the son of the late Gilbert Crabtree and Marcella Crabtree Mummy. He grew up in Marion Ohio and graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1963.

Stan proudly served in the United States Navy from August 1963 to August 1989, retiring after 26 years of service. During his career, he served as a Master Chief Engineman, Master Training Specialist, Fleet Diesel Inspector, and Company Commander at the Woody Hayes Recruitment Camp. His service included three deployments to Vietnam during the Vietnam War and also served as an advisor to the the Vietnamese people. He was a decorated veteran and received numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Vietnam Medal with seven stars, Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Training Medal (2nd class), Navy Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He also completed Naval Survival, Evasion, and Resistance training, and qualified as a Tug Master on the Delaware River and at the Naval Shipyard.

After retiring from the Navy, Stan worked for Babcock Wilcox Nuclear Technologies for 8 years, as well as, Piketon Uranium Enrichment Plant for 4 years.

Stan had a great sense of humor and was rarely seen without a laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, family, friends, and their many dogs, taking motorcycle trips with his best friend Steve (Camel) Fleshman, talking politics and football with his brothers, working on and restoring old cars, attending antique car shows, reading the bible, and traveling to different countries. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents Stan was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Diana Lynn Carr; his sister, Linda Roush (Cliff); his brother, Daniel Crabtree (Debbie); and his stepson, Larry Elliott (Kim). He is survived by his son, Brett Crabtree (Kelli); his brother, Greg Crabtree (Linda) and his stepdaughter, Karmon Warren (John), as well as, his 5 grandchildren.

In lieu of a public ceremony, the family will hold a private service with military honors in his hometown of Marion, Ohio.

In honor of Stan’s love for animals, memorial donations may be made to the Marion Area Humane Society, 2264 Richland Rd., Marion Ohio, 43302 or Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, 303 HG Mosley Pkwy., Longview, TX 75604