Donald Crabtree

Donald E. “Jake” Crabtree, age 88 of Beardstown, died Saturday, January 23, 2021 at his home.

He was born February 22, 1932 in Patterson, the son of Ernest and Maude Book Crabtree. He married Mary E. Howard on February 25, 1955 in Alton and she preceded him in death on July 1, 2012.

He is survived by three children Lynn (husband Dan) Lenning and Carl W. (wife Jodi) Sr. both of Beardstown, and Darrell (wife Valerie) Crabtree of Rushville; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sisters Mary Virginia Payne and Gertrude Bruce, and two brothers Harold and William Crabtree.

Jake graduated from Roodhouse High School in the class of 1950. He was drafted and served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne during the Korean Conflict. When he returned home, he worked as a truck driver and at Caterpillar in Peoria. He then began a 40-year career with CIPS retiring as Chief Dispatcher and owned and operated Crabtree Block Company in Beardstown for 10 years. Jake was a member the American Legion until the local chapter closed. He enjoyed wood working, chopping firewood, and fishing. Jake was a hard worker, but he knew the importance of family, and he loved every moment spent with them.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown, with Reverend John Ashcraft officiating. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239.  The family will meet with friends from 4-6 PM Wednesday at the memorial home.

Due to the current health situation, face masks will be required and to comply with social distancing guidelines, a limited number of people will be allowed in the memorial home at one time.

Memorials have been suggested to Memorial Home Hospice. Condolences may be left online atwww.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.