MICHAEL CRABTREE

1949 - 2020

J. Michael Crabtree
Nov. 11, 1949 - July 29, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY
John Michael Crabtree was born Nov. 11, 1949, in Fostoria, OH to John Dwight and Marie Crabtree. Michael died July 29, 2020, after a long illness. He attended Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK and earned a BS in music education in 1972 and MA in language arts in 1976.
As an undergrad, J. Michael met the love of his life, Cheryl Wallace, and they married in 1974.
Crabtree worked for SNU for 45 years. In 1989, he was named to the university cabinet as the vice president of University Advancement that led to his last position as assistant to the president for Endowment Development and Planned Giving. He was also a resident director, associate dean of students, sports information director, alumni director, and adjunct marketing professor.
Crabtree focused on scholarships and endowments, and over $13,500,000 was given due to his efforts. He hand-wrote letters to thank donors and made thousands of personal phone calls.
In 2010, Crabtree was honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from SNU.
He performed with the Oklahoma City Symphony Chorus, Canterbury Choral Society. He was a member of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene and a 14-year member of the Landmark Quartet.
He is survived by Cheryl, his beloved wife of 46 years; mother, Marie Crabtree; brother, Joel (Eva) Crabtree, of Fostoria, OH; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Walker, Rogers, TX; and two sisters-in-law, Pam (Jim) Surber, Vernon, TX; and Melissa Sykes, Low Gap, NC.
Visitation 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Monday, and the Funeral Service is Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. at Mercer-Adams in Bethany.
Memorial gifts in J. Michael Crabtree's name may be made to University Advancement, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expy., Bethany, OK 73008.
To watch the live webcast service or leave condolences, please visit www.mercer-adams.com