James Robert "Bob" Crabtree

James Robert “Bob” Crabtree, 72, Normal, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Friday May 13, 2011 at Heritage Manor, Bloomington, after an 11 month battle with his illness. His funeral will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington with his good friend Pastor Joe Magner (Stanford Church of God) officiating with the assistance of Reverend Vaughn Hoffman (Wesley United Methodist Church).

Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.

Bob was born March 11, 1939 in Crawfordsville, IN, the son of Ewell and Gladys Crabtree. He married Barbara J. Dennison on March 11, 1961 in McLean, IL. She survives in Normal. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past March.

Also surviving are one son, James Eric Crabtree, Bloomington; one daughter, Leanne Crabtree Adcock (fiancé Larry Recar), Bloomington; one sister, Anita (Charlie) Crowe, Bloomington; two brothers, Gene (Mary) Crabtree, Bloomington; Charlie (Kathy) Crabtree, Normal; three grandchildren, James Aaron Crabtree, Sarah Crabtree, and Lauren Adcock; and many nieces, nephews, and friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Bob worked in the auto parts industry before his retirement in 1999. His personality made him a great salesman, and he was also in management throughout his career. After retirement, he worked part time for Enterprise Rental Car and Dennison Ford. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church.

Bob was an amazing person who loved everyone and never met a stranger. He battled spinal cord tumors which debilitated him for all of his adult life, yet he never complained about his situation. He enjoyed working on cars, working in the yard, riding his scooter, and visiting his childhood home in Hackers Branch, Kentucky. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his sense of humor, his love of music, and his strength and will to live.

The family would like to thank everyone that prayed with, visited and comforted Bob over the past year. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all Heritage Manor staff for the loving care given to this wonderful man. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at OSF St Joseph Medical Center and BroMenn Regional Medical Center for their efforts to extend his life on Earth.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Passages Charitable Foundation, Wesley United Methodist Church, or Stanford Church of God. Online condolences may be submitted to www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.

His suffering has ended and he is now resting in peace with no more pain. We look forward to the day when we meet him again in Heaven. We know he’ll be standing there with open arms and that unforgettable smile.