William O. Crabtree Sr.

Mr. William Crabtree, Sr. died Sunday, March 4, 2012, at his home in Baton Rouge. He was born May 10, 1928 in Raleigh, N.C. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Crabtree; son David John Crabtree, Sr.; and his father and mother, John Henry and Ruth Crabtree. He is survived by two daughters ,Hellon Crabtree Thompson and husband Mike; and Maurine Crabtree David and husband Emmett; and son, William O. Crabtree, Jr.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother John Crabtree, Jr. and his wife Anne of Greenville, South Carolina. Bill lived in Raleigh and graduated from North Carolina State University in 1952 with high honors in engineering. He proudly served in both the U.S. Navy (1946-1948) and U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant (1952-1954) and lived in Paris and Orleans, France. Having proudly served his country, he moved to Baton Rouge in 1954 with his wife and his first two children and began his lifelong career with Exxon Chemical Americas. Bill retired after performing as Plant General Manager of Baton Rouge Exxon Chemical Plant and Plant General Manager of Exxon Chemical Americas Textiles Division in Summerville, S.C. In 1988, he and Betty returned to Baton Rouge to be with the children they loved. He was a devoted husband and loving father to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Giving to the community, he also served as United Way Chairperson. A private service will be held at Greenoaks Gardenview Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice, 10615 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, La.