David Edward Crabtrey, better known as Eddie to family and friends and “Pawpaw” to his adoring grandchildren, was born on May 3, 1949, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2014, at his home in Kyle, TX.
Eddie and his family moved to Pasadena, TX in 1967. Upon graduation from Pasadena High School, he worked as a linesman for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for two years.
Eddie was drafted into the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to artillery firing an 8” Howitzer and proudly completed his two-year commitment. He then continued his thirty-one year career with Southwestern Bell as a repair supervisor. Along the way Eddie successfully raised a proud son, James. You could always find Eddie willing to volunteer his time to coach and manage James’ many baseball and football teams in the Clear Lake area.
Eddie and his wife Debbie retired to Wimberley in June of 1999. Many nights over the next 13 years were spent watching Chase and Conner play baseball, football, and basketball. Pawpaw was just getting acclimated to the life of a dance grandparent to three-year-old Kinley. Pawpaw watched numerous school musicals and participated in many grandparent days at school. These are memories the kids will never forget.
His trip to Cooperstown, NY, in June 2013 for Chase’s baseball tournament was a memorable experience for the entire family.
Eddie’s life, albeit too short, was filled with his special wit, kindness, generosity, and pure unselfishness. He will forever be remembered as a husband, the best father, coach, mentor, and the greatest Pawpaw any kid could have.
Eddie was preceded in death by his father, Murl Crabtrey. Eddie is survived by his wife of forty years, Debbie Crabtrey of Kyle; son James Crabtrey and his wife Sondre’ of Kyle; grandchildren Chase, Conner, and Kinley Crabtrey; mother Margaret Crabtrey of Pasadena, TX; brother James Crabtrey and wife Brenda of Kingwood, TX; sister Aleatha Wyman and husband Dean of Gonzales, TX; sister Judy Murray and husband Jay from Deer Park, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, with Reverend Tom Tarver officiating.
Donations may be made to the Eddie Crabtrey Memorial College Fund for his grandkids at Wells Fargo Bank 5401 S. FM 1626 Suite 400 Kyle, Texas.
