Donald Lewis "Don" Crabtree

IN LOVING MEMORY

Donald Lewis Crabtree

Jul 17 1945 - Mar 24 2026 Mar 24 2026

Donald Lewis Crabtree, of McKinney, Texas, passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on July 17, 1945, in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, to Edwin Crabtree and his mother, Jessie Crabtree.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Captain, earning an honorable discharge. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service. He was a member of the Green Berets 5th Special Forces Group and a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, reflecting his dedication, courage, and commitment to service. De Oppresso Liber.

He graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1963 and went on to attend Murray State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business. Don built a successful career starting with Procter & Gamble in the food industry, spending time in California. He later worked for Bongrain International, an imported cheese company based out of Paris, France, and ultimately retired from Land O'Lakes. He eventually returned to Texas to be closer to his family and grandchildren.

A devoted member of First United Methodist Church in McKinney, Don lived a life rooted in faith, family, and community. He was blessed with his daughter, Stephanie, during his marriage to Betty L. Crabtree. Later in life, Don reconnected with a longtime close family friend, Linda Beverly Crabtree, and the two were married on July 25, 2010, in Frisco, Texas.

Don had a passion for traveling the world. He enjoyed visiting places such as Paris, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Africa, London, and Italy, as well as exploring destinations across the United States. He was especially proud of his role as a father and grandfather (AKA: Poppy!), spending countless hours coaching and traveling with his daughter Stephanie's soccer teams and later attending his grandchildren's many activities. Known for his sense of humor, Don loved telling jokes and staying active socially with friends and family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Beverly Crabtree of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Stephanie M. Bryant; and granddaughter, Ashton M. Bryant, both of McKinney, Texas.

Don was also blessed to have gained five additional bonus children and ten additional bonus grandchildren when he married Linda: Amanda McLuckie (Matt) of McKinney, Texas; sons, Zane Sadler (Amanda), Steven Sadler (Tracey) of College Station, Texas, Lee Sadler (Anna) of Panama City Beach, Florida, and Jeffrey Sadler (Lori) of Brenham, Texas; and his cherished grandchildren, Ashton, Casi, Nick, Hollen, Leigh, Emma, Kate, Cooper, Wyatt, Layla, and Rex.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Edwina Murphy.

Don will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his service to his country, and the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday afternoon, April 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 315 N Church St, McKinney, Texas 75069. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Don's obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/.