Robert "Bob" L. Crabtree

Robert "Bob" Lee Crabtree joined his Maker on Saturday, July 9, 2022. Bob loved the Lord and was very active in the Lutheran church throughout his life.

Bob was born February 14, 1928, to Lee Arthur Crabtree and Mary Elizabeth (Templeton) Crabtree in Fairfax, MO. Bob grew up in Rock Port, MO participating in football and basketball throughout his high school years. He graduated in 1946. He received many awards for his athletic abilities. Bob loved his high school years and his high school buddies. Bob attended Tarkio College where he earned his degree in business and fashion merchandising in addition to playing basketball. Bob served in the Korean war, stationed in the Mediterranean and Panama. He carried his basketball skills into the military as well.

Bob put in many hours alongside his dad at the Lee, Betty and Bob Crabtree Service Station located on Highway 275 in Rock Port, MO. Betty ran the restaurant inside and Lee ran the station. Bob loved the early morning sweets after his morning chores.

Bob married in 1955 and had three children, Mark Lee, Cheryl Lynn and Jeffrey Scott. Bob was a salesman at heart. He had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. He started his career working in the oil industry, opening and managing various service stations across the Midwest. He then put his merchandising degree to good use in the men’s clothing industry. He owned and operated The Crest in Red Oak, IA for many years and after relocating to Fort Collins, CO, owned and operated The Trend near Colorado State University campus. In later years Bob sold cars for Ghent Motor Company. Bob moved back to the Midwest and sold EZ-Go and Club Car golf carts to golf courses throughout the State of Nebraska where he was in his element. Bob was an avid golfer all his life, collecting a multitude of trophies and championship titles.

Bob married Ann Ohrt, the love of his life, on January 15, 1977. They enjoyed 45 years of blissful marriage. They traveled all over the world sharing their love and lives with family and friends alike.

Bob was a die-hard sports fan, loving all college and professional competitions. He grew up with the St. Louis Cardinals and they always topped his list. He knew every sport, every team, every player, every score and had the recall of an expert. Bob spent many years coaching his sons as they grew up and followed their sports, being their biggest cheerleader and fan.

Bob is preceded in death by his older brother, James, stillborn at birth; his parents, Lee and Betty; and sons-in-law, Robert Witte and Richard Green.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, son Mark (Janie) Crabtree of Windsor, CO; daughter, Cheryl (Rob-deceased) Witte of Sioux Falls, SD; Jeff (Kathy) Crabtree of Timnath, CO; and stepdaughter Linda (Richard-deceased) Greene of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Josh and Lauren Crabtree, Troy (Alaina) and Bob (Brooke) Witte, Kyle, Kristin and Nathanael Crabtree, and step-grandson Adam (Rachel) Mohr; and nine great grandchildren.

A service with military honors will be held for Bob at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Valley, NE on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 11:00 am, with burial at 3:30 pm at Linden Cemetery in Rock Port, MO to follow. Memorials may be directed to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 115 W. Meigs, Valley, NE 68064, or Linden Cemetery.