William Lehman "Bill" Crabtree

William Lehman Crabtree, best known simply as "Bill," passed away peacefully at home on the family farm in Marion, Ohio, with his loving family by his side, at the age of 94. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Bill lived a full life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

Born on December 18, 1930, in South Webster, Ohio, Bill was the youngest of 12 children of the late John H. and Doris (Browne) Crabtree. He learned the values of hard work and dedication early, working alongside his father and older siblings family on the farm. He graduated from South Webster High School in the class of 1948, where he excelled on their basketball team.

Shortly following graduation, Bill answered the call to serve his beloved country, enlisting in the United States Navy. He served honorably from 1949 to 1950 aboard the USS Cimarron, a tanker that delivered oil to Pearl Harbor during peacetime service.

Upon his honorable discharge, Bill moved to Marion, Ohio, in 1950, where one of his brothers helped him find work at Fairfield Engineering. It was there that fate stepped in-he met a young co-worker named Martha Jane Price. The two fell in love and were married on May 23, 1953. Their bond remained unshakable over 72 wonderful years of marriage, during which they raised two loving daughters, Pamela and Linda. They also cared for the family farm together, Crabtree Farms, where he raised livestock and grew crops from 1957 to 2018. Over the years, he cherished when his grandchildren would help him on the farm, and he was especially proud when his grandson, Skip, chose to carry on their family's farming tradition and keep it in their family.

Bill was never afraid of hard work. To support his growing family, he held two jobs for most of his life, including a 39-year career at Central Soya's feed mill. Despite his long work hours, he always made time for his family, his faith, and his passions.

Very faithful, Bill was a dedicated member of Marion Salem United Methodist Church, now Marion Salem Global Methodist Church. His other devotion-sports-was legendary. His beloved Martha often joked that their television "only gets ballgames," and Bill wouldn't have had it any other way. He played softball for many years, proudly representing both his church and Central Soya on the field.

After retiring in 1993, Bill found immense joy in his role as "Grandpa." He was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's coach and biggest cheerleader, never missing a game, show, or fair. Whether it was cattle and hog shows, school sports, or events at the Marion County Fair, if the grandkids were involved, Bill was there-smiling, bragging, and beaming with pride. He also loved the challenge of a complicated jigsaw puzzle.

Bill and Martha shared a love for gardening, and their vegetable garden was the envy of the neighborhood. In particular, Bill loved selling sweet corn from his front yard-something he continued to do until just last year, at age 93. Known for his quirky sense of humor and generous heart, Bill was always ready with a joke and even more ready to lend a hand.

Bill's legacy of kindness, dedication, faith, and humor lives on in all who were blessed to know him. He was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Martha Jane Crabtree; two daughters: Pamela Firis of Wadsworth, OH, and Linda Loyer of Caledonia, OH; 7 grandchildren: Amy (Mike) Davis, James (Ashley) Firis, Mikey (Carrie) Firis, and Ben (Emma) Firis, Meggan (Steve) Aiken, Ryan "Bud" (Danica) Loyer, and Jeremy "Skip" Loyer; 10 great-grandchildren: Andrew Hammer, Aric Hammer, Chase Aiken, Kayleigh (Nathan Tucker) Aiken, Rylan Loyer, Katera Loyer, Lucas Firis, Jack Firis, Thomas Firis, and Lilah Fryman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son-in-law, David Firis; all 8 sisters: Faye Joseph, Luann Chamberlain, Wilma Smith, Muriel Gilliland, Marie Justice, Mary Walls, Kathleen Crabtree and Nora Elizabeth "Libby" Dettwiller; and all three brothers: Johnny, Isaac and James Crabtree. His siblings and their families all endearingly refer to Bill by his middle name, "Lehman".

His family will greet friends from 5 – 7 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Marion Salem Global Methodist Church, 1640 Salem Rd., Caledonia, OH 43314. Services honoring his life will also be held there at 11 am on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with Pastor Jason Sharp officiating. Graveside services with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Claridon Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill's life by wearing their favorite sports gear-especially Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians), Cavaliers, or Browns attire-as a tribute to his lifelong love of the game.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Salem Global Methodist Church, 1640 Salem Rd., Caledonia, OH 43314, or to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNELYZXFBW).

Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Bill's family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.