Obituaries

Tony Rex Crabtree

Photo of Tony  Rex Crabtree
Tony Rex Crabtree, 67, of Clarksville, Ark., followed his savior Jesus Christ through the majestic gates into Heaven, March 6, 2012. Born Jan. 11, 1945, in Batesville, Ark., to Lorena Crabtree Hubbard and the late Estle Crabtree, Tony was the eldest of three sons. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Penny Denise; as well as his father. Tony graduated from Strawberry High School in 1962, and immediately started his life as an entrepreneur, that of which included farming, saw-milling, excavating, F&S Metal Works and the opening of the Music Mountain Jamboree in Hot Springs, Ark. A true Christian man with impeccable integrity and patience, Tony's greatest love was his family. He is survived by the love-of-his-life and wife of 37 years, Gerry Vawter Crabtree. As all who met or spent time with Tony, she cherished and adored her husband and the time the Lord blessed them with. He is also survived by his mother, Lorena Crabtree Hubbard of Saffell, Ark.; two brothers, Jim (Linda) Crabtree of Saffell, Ark., and Gary (Lynda) Crabtree of Conway, Ark.; five children who he taught the importance of honesty, hard work, the love of family, and most importantly the belief and power of Jesus Christ: a daughter, Donna (Rick) Dhooghe of Rogers, Ark.; and sons, Darrell (Karen) Elkin of Hot Springs, Ark., Dwayne (Melissa) Elkin and Leo (Denise) Elkin of Clarksville, Ark., and Anthony (Penny) Crabtree of Cord, Ark.; nine grandchildren who loved and cherished their papa, Jonathan (Karrie) Neal, Joshua (Samantha) Elkin, Toni (Landon) Walker, James Elkin, Jessie (Joe) Nealy, Chase Elkin, Kelli Elkin, Aaron and Andrew Crabtree; four great-grandchildren who will hear the messages their parents heard, and laugh at the stories their parents tell, Bailey, Benjamin, Lilly Kate Neal and Kaydence Elkin. Tony is also survived by a special niece, Sheri Neal of Hot Springs, Ark. Pallbearers include grandsons, Jonathan, Josh, James, Chase, Joe and Landon. Honorary pallbearers include the late Jerry Dodson, Johnny Flurry, Dr. Mike Verser, Dr. Ab Tilley, the clinic and staff of the Mercy 270 Clinic, the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. of Bentonville, Charles Stanford, David Daniels, and the employees of F&S Metal Works, Steve Pyle, Erik Dickerson and the late John Gibson. A celebration of life will be held at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark., on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 1 p.m. with Senior Pastor Ken Carney officiating. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Bodemann Medical Group, Dr. Borderlan and his staff, Dr. Fine, Dr. Dodd and Drs. Mogri and Abochale. A very special thanks to Mercy's special angels who supported both our dad and our family, Trish, Elaine and Christine. A man of few but always wise words, he taught us faithfulness and brought us laughter. He always showed love, respect and grace to anyone he met. "Dad/Papa" you will be truly missed…prepare our places in heaven, and look after us as we continue our journeys here on earth. We await the hour we will all celebrate Christmas on the porch again together. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com.

Published March 8, 2012

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