Obituary: Crabtree, Charles H. “Chuck”
For five days after a severe stroke, he was surrounded 24 hours a day by his family.
Chuck was born in 1931 in Stearns, Kentucky.
The family moved to Mobile, Alabama when Chuck was seven years old.
It was there he graduated from Murphy High School in 1949.
Upon graduation, Chuck served in both the US Navy and US Air Force.
During his assignment as an air policeman at Fairchild Air Force Base, he met and married Delores Mommolite in 1952.
Following his military discharge, he became a Spokane Police Officer.
Chuck contributed greatly to the safety of the Spokane community in the following ways: (1) Safety Officer for Spokane schools with Officer Tom Tucker; (2) Director of Spokane Police Academy; (3) helped in the development of Spokane’s first SWAT team; and (4) served as police captain of the patrol division until his retirement in 1981.
After retiring from the police department, Chuck built several buildings in Hillyard and sold cars, motorhomes, and did vehicle/boat storage.
Chuck had many professional accomplishments in his life, but none as valued as his love for the Lord and his family.
For the past ten years, our hero had serious deteriorating health issues.
He never complained and always continued to focus on the positive side of life.
Chuck strived to enhance others but never focused on himself.
Chuck loved his family.
He was always there for support and guidance.
Even during challenging times, he never gave up and tried to make life better for each family member.
Chuck was a very special man who made a positive difference for everyone he encountered.
He will never be forgotten, and the ripples of his kindness will continue forever.
The family would like to thank the Fairwinds assisted living staff.
Their deep caring and compassion for our loved one was greatly appreciated.
For the last days of his life, Chuck was on life support at Sacred Heart Hospital.
We thank this special team who were wonderful and never let him suffer.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Delores Crabtree.
They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Chuck has two sons, Michael Crabtree (Danelle) and Jim Crabtree.
Chuck is also survived by four grandchildren, Jared, Alyssa, Jennifer, and Ryan; sisters-in-law Theresa Carpenter and Mary Ann Drewniak; nieces and nephews Carol Johnson (Les); Kathy Carpenter; Kelly Carpenter (Dawn); Erik, Amber and Ross Johnson, who will also miss him immensely.
A rosary and memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Friday December 7th at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a private burial service.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Please visit Chuck’s online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.