Darral Lynn Crabtree

Darral Lynn Crabtree, 73, Pattonsburg, MO passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by his children and other beloved family members.

Darral was born October 6th, 1950 in the family home in rural Pattonsburg, Missouri to Will Ed and Carletta (Salmon) Crabtree. As a child, his family also lived in Bethany, Missouri and Sioux Falls, South Dakota before he graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1969. Shortly after graduation, Darral enlisted to serve his Country with the United States Marine Corps, serving as a lead man M-60 gunner in the Vietnam War.

On August 2nd, 1970, Darral sustained gunshot wounds and was treated on the battlefield by Steven “Doc” Taylor, who would become a lifelong friend. Darral was transported to several different medical facilities around the world, leading him to being lost in the system. This led to confusion and heartache for his loved ones at home, due to his unknown location and condition. Darral was the recipient of a Purple Heart Medal, which he patiently waited 33 years to receive.

Serving his Country was not the only thing that made Darral proud, as loyalty to his family and friends encompassed his entire life. Darral devoted many years working for the Pattonsburg and Barnard School Districts, as well as other jobs where his focus was helping others. He genuinely loved chatting with the school kids and throughout his career, he made many lifelong friends that he held dear to his heart.

Darral married his beloved Norma on October 15th, 2005.

From hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting, cornhole tournaments, darts & poker games, and feeding critters, to watching grandkids run wild, giggling at his kids pestering one another, attending ballgames and school programs, and showing genuine care for everyone, Darral’s teachings weren’t spoken, but shown by example. His immense love for his people was always evident with gentle smiles and the best hugs. Each day he spent with his grandkids was “a perfect day”. Darral never did anything alone, proving his authentic, selfless nature.

Even though Darral didn’t know many strangers, if he met one, they’d be greeted with bib overalls and a cutoff t-shirt, bare feet, a toothpick, and his signature smile.

Darral is survived by his beloved children, Mary Ann (Jason) Teel, Carletta (Mitch Singleteary) Crabtree and Carsley (Katie) Crabtree; step-children, Brian (Sandy) Youngs, Becky (Mike) Amundson, Brad (Jenny) Youngs; grandchildren, Joel (Hannah), Jared (McKayla Allen), Caleb (Kelsey), Cooper (Sidney Gibson) Teel, Kayla and Jacob Huhs, Shannen and Ashten (Tristan West) Thompson and Daisy Crabtree, Bailey Youngs, Payton, Carson and Aiden Amundson, Savannah Stirling, Lauren and Korbey Youngs; great-grandchildren, Emberly and Elva Teel, Anna and Maggie Francis, Axel Fry, Titus Youngs, and Nash Youngs; siblings, Larry (Jill) Crabtree, Carol Herrel, Geneva (Frank) Schneider and many nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Will Ed and Carletta Crabtree, wife, Norma, sister, Cathy Crabtree, and granddaughter, Sidney Youngs.

“Don’t be a quitter, have courage to put a cause above yourself.” – From Darral’s Bible

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 27 at Pattonsburg R-II School, Pattonsburg, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Pattonsburg, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in Salmon Cemetery, Pattonsburg, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Monday at the school. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salmon Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 152, Pattonsburg, MO 64670. Online condolences may left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.