Larry Denton Crabtree

1941 - 2026

Larry Denton Crabtree, age 84, of Brown County, met Jesus on Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 2026.

He was born on March 2, 1941, in Nashville, Indiana, to the late Garvin Preston Crabtree and Sarah Louis (Adams) Crabtree. Larry was delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Louis Crabtree. He was a 1959 graduate of Nashville High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and track. Larry was the first all-letter winner in Nashville High School history and was a member of the school's first sectional championship basketball team in 1959.

Following graduation, Larry devoted his life to serving the people of Indiana. He first worked for the Indiana State Police for one year before beginning a distinguished 38-year career as an Indiana Conservation Master Officer. During his career, Larry often served on the Governor's security detail, was a member of the first dive and rescue team, helped relocate bald eagles to the Monroe and Brown County areas, and led the setup of the Quartermaster establishment for Conservation Officers at Camp Atterbury. His contributions to human safety, wildlife protection, and rehabilitation were instrumental and long-lasting.

Larry's greatest and most heart-driven accomplishment was his service to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a founding member and Elder Emeritus of New Life Community Church in Nashville, Indiana. During this time, he visited Israel and helped guide the church through more than 40 years of faithful service to God.

Larry greatly valued time with his family. He enjoyed family vacations, trips to Tennessee with his parents, siblings, and children, Florida trips with his youngest son and daughters, and trips out West to visit his other son.

He also had many personal interests, including vintage hot rod cars and being a member of the Columbus Corvette Club. Larry continued playing basketball until the age of 62. He cherished hunting trips to Iowa with his son, grandsons, brothers, and nephews, as well as turkey hunting with his son and grandson, along with many other family gatherings. Above all, Larry was a man of deep faith who lovingly led his family along the same path.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Kay Crabtree; his mother, Sarah Louis Kritzer; his father, Garvin Preston Crabtree; grandson, Josiah Miller; and his siblings, Loren Dan Crabtree and Debra Ann Asbury.

He is survived by his children, Larry Preston Crabtree (Terri), Greg Spencer Miller (Karen), Robin Arleen Pugh (Monte), Stacia Diane Kelly (Mike), and Benjamin Adams Crabtree (Courtney); along with 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pastor Bruce Roberts conducted a graveside service on January 12th at Greenlawn Cemetery in Nashville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 2 at New Life Community Church in Nashville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Larry to New Life Community Church 1450 State Road 135 N. Nashville, IN 47448 and or The 700 Club, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463.