John Crabtree, 89 - Travelers Rest

John William Crabtree, 89, of Travelers Rest, SC widower of Inez Looper Crabtree; slipped away from his cherished family into God’s waiting arms on August 5,2016 at Heartland Health Care-Greenville West, Greenville, SC.

Born in Greenville County, SC on July 9, 1927, he was the son of the late David Wylie and Myrtle McAuley Crabtree.

A WWII veteran having served in the US Army Air Corps 3704th Unit as a B-29 specialist; post war he served with the US Air Force 53rd Recon Squadron – which now are commonly recognized as the “Hurricane Hunters”. John was a charter member of Foothills Baptist Church, a Manson and retired from J.P. Stevens Slater Plant.

Surviving are his loving family: daughter Janice C. Shook of Travelers Rest, SC; sister June Griffin of San Antonio, TX; John had a special bond with his nephew Robert J. Coleman (Donna) of Travelers Rest, SC; cherished nieces and nephew: Joyce L. Marshbanks of Laurens, SC, Pam Griffin of San Antonio, TX, Karen Griffin of San Antonio, TX, Ginny Brunner (Carl) of San Antonio, TX and Richard Looper (Doris) of Travelers Rest, SC; treasured great nieces and nephew: Leah Brunner of San Antonio, TX, Amanda Marshbanks of Travelers Rest, SC, Rachel Johnson of Austin, TX, Audrey Wagers of San Antonio, TX, Shannon McGarvey of Austin, TX , Brandy Moots (Chris) of San Antonio, TX, Dawn Brenneman (Keith) of Greenville, SC and Adrian Smith (Holly) of Greenville, SC; adored great-great nieces and nephews: Brooke and McKenzie Smith of Greenville, SC, Ethan and Gavin Moots of San Antonio, TX, Trevor Brenneman of Greenville, SC , Taos McGarvey Pagel and Frida Jane McGarvey Pagel of Austin , TX.

Along with his parents and wife, John was predeceased by his sisters-in-law and-brothers- in-law: Beatrice L. Coleman (James), Hoyt D. Looper (Ruby), L.D. Looper “Junior” (LaMar), William D. Griffin.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. L. McCarrell, Dr. S. Coleman, and the staff of Heartland West.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to The Howze Mortuary, for their care and compassion shown to them during this time.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday August, 10 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Foothills Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 2 p.m., with Rev. John Bedford and Rev. Tim Snyder officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 3535 Pelham Rd, Suite 101, Greenville, SC 29615, Wound Warriors Foundation , 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite #300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or Foothills Baptist Church Building Fund at 1204 N. Hwy. 25 Travelers Rest, SC.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family here.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is in charge of the arrangements.