Charles D Crabtree

Charles D. Crabtree, lovingly known as Charlie, passed away on October 28, 2026. He was born on March 9, 1930, in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised by his materteral grandparents in Caneyville, KY.

Charlie built a life marked by service, faith, hard work, and devotion to those he loved most. He attended Louisville Male High School and continued his education at Bellarmine, where he studied accounting and financial management, later also attending the Indiana University Graduate School of Business in professional management. His career reflected that strong foundation, and he worked in life insurance for Penn Mutual, with Kentucky Telco Federal Credit Union, and with Commonwealth Insurance.

He also served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1947 to 1954. Among the distinctions of his military years, he was the last surviving member of the USCG Bibb rescue of the Bermuda Sky Queen Airline in October 1947, a remarkable part of his life that stood as a testament to courage and duty.

Charlie was a strong Christian man who never knew a stranger. He was known for sharing a meal with anyone, and his kindness, thoughtfulness, and friendliness left a lasting impression on all who met him. He enjoyed being a mall walker and a bowler, and he was known as a devoted spoiler of both his grandchildren and his dog. He was a big University of Louisville fan, charitable by nature, he was volunteer treasurer for the city of Woodland Hills for 30 years, and always happy to enjoy a meal out. He was also a private pilot, another reflection of his adventurous spirit and wide-ranging interests.

Of all the blessings in his life, Charlie counted his family among his proudest accomplishments. He was happily married for 54 years, and he took deep pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love for family was central to who he was, and that love will remain one of his most enduring legacies.

He is survived by his sons, Mark Crabtree and his wife Mary Pat, Jon Crabtree, and David Crabtree and his wife Amy; by his daughter, Annis Yates and her husband Eddie; and by his sister, Marilyn Freeman. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric Crabtree and his wife Hillary, Emily Kockentiet and her husband Ryan, Samuel Yates and his wife Beth, Kaitlyn Yates, and Madyson and Elijah Jon-Charles Crabtree. His family circle was further blessed by his great-grandchildren, Zoey Kockentiet, River Charles, and Cambria Yates, each of whom brought him great joy. The love he gave so freely will continue to live on through all of them.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Niner; his beloved wife, Virginia Marie Crabtree; his daughter, Amy Crabtree; his granddaughter, Madalyn Yates; his sister, JoNell Hackett; his brother, Edward Niner; Carolyn Wilson; and his dog Princess.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, East Louisville, 235 Juneau Dr, Louisville, KY 40243. A second visitation will be held there on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Louisville Memorial Gardens East, 11601 Ballardsville Rd, Louisville, KY 40241.

Charlie will be remembered for his generous heart, steady faith, service to his country, and the warmth he extended so naturally to others. His was a life of commitment, compassion, and love, and his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the LMHS Maddie Hope Yates Memorial Scholarship or Louisville Hospraus.