Vernon D. Crabtree, 87

Vernon Crabtree of Keyport died Feb 8, 2006 in Austin, Texas. He was 87.

Crabtree was born to James M. and Lura S. Crabtree in Hoquiam on Dec. 17, 1918.

The family later moved to Independence, Ore. where Crabtree attended school and graduated from high school.

In March 1939, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to submarine service and attained the rank of Torpedoman First Class. Crabtree was stationed at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

In 1945, he was stationed at Keyport Naval Torpedo Station. It was at Keyport where he met his future wife, Edith M. Olden. They were married on July 3, 1945.

After his discharge from the Navy, Crabtree was employed as an Explosive Ordinance Leadingman at Bangor NAD, until 1970 when he transferred to Keyport NTS as a Quality Control Supervisor. He retired in 1973.

In his leisure time, Crabtree enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, and RVing.

Crabtree is survived by his wife Edith Crabtree of Keyport; son Dee (Donna) Crabtree of Marfa, Texas; daughter Phyllis (Chris) Stewart of Ridgecrest, Calif.; brother Francis (Shirley) Crabtree of Hemet, Calif: sisters Wanda (Lyle) Ruch of Salem, Ore. and Audrey (Clarence) Scott of Aumsville, Ore; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alvin Crabtree and daughter Ivis Crabtree.

Private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.