Please note changes to the service due the CIVID-19 requirement guidelines placed by the state and federal government

Gary Lee Crabtree, was born on September 21, 1969 in Lafayette, Indiana.  Gary died at his home in Smith Valley Nevada on January 25 of this year.

Gary's childhood was spent with his family in Attica, Indiana.  Gary loved bicycles (wearing out many) little league baseball, and attending the Potawatomi festival with his father.  When Gary was in the sixth grade his family moved back to Whitley City, Kentucky.  Gary attended McCreary county high school where he made many life long friends, winning the "best legs contest!"  Gary's love of baseball continued throughout his high school years. With his left handed hitting, and incredible talent, he was scouted by many colleges, as well as a few major league teams.  With things heating up in the Persian Gulf and Gary's strong sense of dedication, he joined the Marine Corp after graduation in 1989.

Gary was trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Gary served in Operation Desert Storm, helping liberate the Kuwaiti Airport, promoted early for gathering intelligence, and earning several awards and ribbons.  Gary was honorably medically discharged. After his Marine service Gary returned to Kentucky, working and earning a degree in criminal justice.  Gary had desired to become a police officer, but in 2005 he became very ill from complications and exposures in the Gulf, and medically retired. Gary moved with his wife and family to Nevada in 2009, having always wanted to come to the West.

Gary loved his sons and spent his years taking them to little league baseball, and watching them play high school sports. Gary loved his family, America, the Marines, baseball, music, coffee, travel, expensive clothes, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and telling a good story.  Gary loved dogs and bought many over the years for his family. Gary was also a kind servant to his family and friends, spending much time with Margaret and Frank Parsons, and Peter Soberg. He loved helping any one he could and in any way.

Never having met a stranger, Gary was passionate about his love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and his faith, sharing the Gospel with those he met.

Gary was a Knight of Columbus, and was a member of St. John the Baptist Mission Church in Smith Valley Nevada. He was devoted to his chosen saint, St. Jude.

Gary was preceded in death by the only Grandparents he ever knew, Frank and Margaret Parsons of Smith, Nevada, and his Nephew Michael Dean, and his father in law Peter Soberg.

Gary is survived by his wife Kimber LA Crabtree (Matheus). His parents, Norma and Woodrow Crabtree, of Whitley City, Kentucky.  His mother and father in law Wendy Titus- Soberg, Jim and Karen Matheus. His precious five sons, Mitchell (Mindy), Carson, and James "Walker" Bruck, Benjamen Lee Gatlin and Shepherd Lee Pinion Crabtree.

Grandchildren Bison Lee, and baby Lightning Lee Meadow Bruck. Dear to his heart were Kelly O'Keefe of Yerington, Nevada, Isaiah Soberg, Seattle, Washington, Talen Bromps, Joseph and Greyson Spencer, Thomas Detweiler of Smith, Nevada. His nieces and nephews he doted upon, Alicia Calder, Diana Utley, Amanda Qualls, Elizabeth Dean, Zachary Israil, Jessica Musgrove, Madaline, Gabrielle and Oliver Martinez.  Gary was survived by his best friends, brother in law Richard Zemke (his brother by another mother, September 21, 1969 club) Carson city, Nevada, sister in law Robin Matheus Seattle, Washington, Mary Fritsch Spokane, Washington, Joe Isaacs and Eric Howard of Kentucky. Gary was survived by his sisters Sherry (Jesse) Hatfield, Vanessa (John) Barnett, Patricia (Terry) Perry, Betty (Curtiss) Dean.

Because of restrictions placed on the Veterans Cemetery, no services are allowed at the cemetery. Gary's interment will be held at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. No family and friends are allowed at the gravesite for the interment , they are allowed at the site only after the interment.  The state of Nevada has also imposed a restriction of no more than 10 people are allowed to gather at one time.

A celebration of life party: Remembering Gary in Music and Stories, will be held at a later date when it becomes safe for all to gather and we will announce the date as soon as we can.

Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911