Daniel W Crabtree

Daniel Wade Crabtree, age 73, of Marion, Ohio, passed away on December 4, 2025, after courageously battling cancer for 13 years. He was born on October 8, 1952, in Marion, Ohio, to Gilbert Crabtree and Marcella Helen Keller.

A 1971 graduate of Marion Harding High School, Dan went on to build a long and respected career as a Journeyman Ironworker with Local 172 in Columbus, Ohio, before retiring. On August 14, 1971, he married his lifelong partner, Deborah Sue Carr-Crabtree, with whom he shared more than fifty years of love and commitment. Dan enjoyed his time fishing and riding his Harley motorcycle, but nothing brought him greater joy than being “Papa” to his grandchildren—Abigail, Gabriel, Isabelle, and Jax—who were at the center of his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Crabtree and Marcella Mummey; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rufus B. (Dick) and M. Eloise Carr; stepfather James Mummey; sister Linda Gail Roush; brother-in-law Clifford Roush; sister-in-law Dianna L. Crabtree; sister-in-law Phyllis A. Burns; brother-in-law Steven B. Carr; and nephews Timothy C. Burns and Larry W. Elliott II.

He is survived by his wife Deborah; his children, Danielle Marie Crabtree and Chad Michael Crabtree of Marion; and his loyal canine companion, Halley Jane, who never left his side. Dan is also survived by his brothers, Gilbert Stanley Crabtree of Gilmer, Texas, and Melvin Gregory (Linda) Crabtree of Marion; brother-in-law John H. Burns; step-sister Bonnie (Doug) Beery; and step-brother Roger Mummey. He leaves behind special nephews David (Lynn) Roush and John H. (Tammy) Burns II; nieces Robin (Mike) Mines of Marion, Karmon (John) Warren of Austin, Texas, and Tina Marie Billings-Webster of Bucyrus; as well as nephews Brett A. Crabtree of Toledo, Christopher T. Crabtree, and Shawn E. Crabtree of Marion.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jarred Burkart of Columbus Oncology and Dr. Uma Borate of The James Cancer Hospital for their exceptional care. To honor Dan’s memory, donations may be made to the Marion County Humane Society. Fulfilling his wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date to celebrate his life.