Vannen Crabtree, 77, of Oak Hill, passed away at his home in the presence of his family on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. He was born November 18, 1933, in South Webster, to the late Phillip and Mallie (Green) Crabtree.

Vannen is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor (Morris) Crabtree; six sons, Clifford (Karen) Crabtree of Michigan, Jeff (Donna) Crabtree of Canada, Rusty (Lisa) Crabtree of Iowa, Tim (Barb) Crabtree, Sandis Crabtree and Todd Crabtree, all of Jackson; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, twin Vernon (June) Crabtree of Illinois, Dale (Louise) Crabtree of Arkansas; five sisters, Edna (Clarence) Shuff, Mary (Clell) Jackson, Norma (Wayne) Miller of South Webster, Betty Cervantes of Texas and Phyllis (Eddie) Boggs of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

Vannen was a 49-year member of the Eifort Free Will Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for

45 years. He was a retired auto mechanics teacher and a U.S. Army veteran.

The family would like to thank SOMC Hospice staff, private caregivers, Lois, Linda and Peggy, sister Mary (Clell) and brother Vernon (June) for their support and kindness during Vannen’s illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2011, at the Kuhner-Lewis Funeral Home with Jeff Crabtree and Tim Updike officiating. Burial will follow in South Webster Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, April 7, 2011, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.e-k-lewisfuneral.com.