Sterling Crabtree, Jr.

Sterling Hayes “Diddy” Crabtree, Jr., 79 years of age, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2019 at Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in the presence of his loving family.

Sterling was born on July 15, 1940 in Houston, Texas to Sterling Hayes “Chick” Crabtree, Sr. and Rose Helen Kruse Crabtree. Sterling was the oldest of three children who were raised on the family dairy farm in Cypress, Texas. Sterling is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Berlon Dee Crabtree; and grandson Marshall McCaughan.

Sterling graduated from Cypress Fairbanks High School in 1959 and maintained lifelong friendships with his high school buddies, Ernest Matzke and August Butzke.

Sterling and Patricia (Patt) Engelke Crabtree met at the Salt Grass Trail Ride kick-off dance at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Brenham, Texas although they were both living in Houston. They were married on July 31, 1970 at Grace Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas and raised 5 children together.

In 1972, Sterling escaped the big city of Houston and went to work for G-Bar Ranch in Clay, Texas where he was in his element. This proved to be a great place to continue raising his family where many great memories were made.

Sterling and Patt joined Christ Lutheran Church in Brenham in 1975 where he worshiped and served the Lord for 44 years. In 1978, Sterling and Patt returned to their meeting place in Brenham and Sterling went to work for Blue Bell Creameries, where he worked as a route salesman. Sterling retired on February 8, 2003, 25 years and a myriad of friends later. When not working, Sterling enjoyed being with his family most of all.

Sterling is survived by his wife Patt Crabtree; children Pam McCaughan and husband Shawn of Camas, Washington, Karen Lange of Georgetown, Texas, Darrel Crabtree and his wife Lisa of Allen, Texas, David Crabtree of Fort Hood, Texas, Stephanie Wehring and husband, Matthew of Brenham, Texas; grandchildren; Loryn and Lance McCaughan, Trey, Asa and Grace Lange, Weston, Hallie and Austin Crabtree, Darbi, Kenzie and Cody Crabtree; sister LaDelle Springer and husband, Dan of Conroe, Texas; and his loyal and loving fur baby, “little man” Gizmo along with extended family and friends.

A true cowboy, jokester, outdoorsman, family man and friend, Sterling was bigger than life and will be sorely missed.

Pallbearers are Jimmy Ainsworth, Dean Ellis, Victor Grisbee, Robbie Lange, Tommy Lange, Ben McGrew, Larry Schroeder and Jack Smith.

A special thank you to the nurses and caregivers at Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral details are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham, Texas.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 1, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, with the funeral service on Wednesday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Brenham, Texas. A private burial will follow with immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Christ Lutheran Foundation - Brenham, Texas or Hospice Brazos Valley.

To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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