Virgil R. Crabtree

      Virgil Ray Crabtree, beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully in his sleep in Yuma, AZ on July 31, 2017 at the age of 91.

Virgil was born on March 2, 1926 in McClave, CO. At age 17, he enlisted in the Marines and served in WWII where he fought at Iwo Jima. In May of 1946, after having spent three years with the Marines and never having taken a furlough, Virgil was discharged in San Diego, CA.

In 1952, Virgil married Lois Ellison in Denver, CO and they eventually settled in Yuma. Together they had three children. In 1960, Virgil, with his brother Fred started Valley Ditch Lining, which serviced both Arizona and California by installing cement irrigation canals for the agriculture industry, many of which remain in operation today.

In their last chapter of life, Virgil and Lois traveled between Arizona and Colorado, chasing the great weather, fishing in the Dolores River, backyard gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Virgil was the patriarch of a large, loving family. He is survived by his children Donna (Steven) Brandenberger of Yuma, Dale (Roberta) Crabtree of Jamestown, IN, and Dianne (James) Reinertson of Yuma; his brother Richard Crabtree of Ft. Garland, CO; his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, sister, and wife, Lois.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday,

Aug. 5 at Yuma Mortuary with graveside service to follow immediately at Desert Lawn. Visitation will be from 6:30-8:00 pm Friday, Aug. 4 at Yuma Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Dolores Southern Baptist Church in Dolores, CO and Yuma Territorial FFA Alumni Virgil & Lois Crabtree Memorial Scholarship. 
 

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