Frederick Marvin Crabtree Jr.'s Obituary
Frederick Marvin Crabtree Jr
“Rick”
79, of Leesburg, Virginia, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Aldie, Virginia.
Born Friday, August 3, 1945 in Annapolis, Maryland, he was the son of the late Frederick Crabtree Sr. and the late Anne Hornick Crabtree.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sharron Thompson Crabtree, daughters Kimberly Midgett, Karyn Howard (Gary), son James Crabtree (Christina), grandchildren Brandon, Lauren (Ambrose), Crystal (Colin), Blake, Andrew (Laurel), Isaac, Trinity, Elaina and Colby.
Great grandchildren Mischa, Lotus, Ari, Zack and Addy.
His sister, Joyce Crabtree Cockrille and her children Danny, Jan and Sherry.
Rick grew up in the Northern Virginia area and was a lifelong fan of Washington Commanders and the Washington Nationals. And avid train enthusiast and train spotter, he could often be found watching the trains.
He frequently enjoyed attending the car drag races with his childhood friends Willie and Joe. He loved spaghetti westerns and more often than not could recite dialog from memory.
He served our nation in the United States Navy and did two tours in Vietnam. When he returned home he continued his service working for the United States Treasury at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing until his retirement in 2008.
Rick loved the Outer Banks of North Carolina, taking his family and eventually the larger extended family on yearly vacations. These became yearly family reunions that were the source of countless treasured memories and fun times for the next three generations.
Rick enjoyed fishing. Whether surf fishing, gulf stream fishing or on the banks of Goose creek, he taught his children and grandchildren to fish, providing them a lifelong skill and source of enjoyment.
Rick enjoyed planning a yearly fireworks display on July 4th. He guided and directed the younger generations in putting on a safe and beautiful display. The displays were legendary.
He particularly enjoyed frequent “family dinners/tailgate parties” with his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He had a witty sense of humor and an affinity for practical jokes on his children and grandchildren. The mischievous smile and glint in his eye were always present. His grandchildren recount how he often would quiz them with either a riddle or some nugget of useful trivia. He derived great pleasure in challenging his grandchildren to games of penny ante poker.
A yearly tradition were Rick’s personal Christmas cards. He worked diligently to select an individual card and personalized it with a hand selected comic strip for each family member or friend.
Rick and his beloved wife Shary built their family upon a foundation of love, values and compassion. They built a home together and he remained a rock to his family. Always there to lend an ear, sage advice and always, always a hug.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 6-8pm at the Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg Virginia 20175
Graveside Service will be held at Sterling Cemetery at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
What’s your fondest memory of Frederick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frederick?
Share a story where Frederick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frederick you’ll never forget.
How did Frederick make you smile?
