Arnold Crabtree, 77, went home to be with his Savior on September 5, 2019. He was born on May 20, 1942.
Arnold was a welder, burner at Buckeye Steel for 16 years and a ship fitter at Ingalls shipyard and Bethlehem Steel. He retired due to his health and became a self-employed entrepreneur, and later in life realizing his calling as a bee keeper. He affectionately became known as the "Bee Man." Arnold was the founder of the Lithopolis Honeyfest when his idea of a honey bee festival became a reality in 2007. Arnold remained active in the festival until his retirement in 2016. Arnold was also the founder of the Scioto Valley Beekeepers Association in Circleville, OH.
He was preceded in death by his children, David Arnold Crabtree, Kelly Jo Crabtree, parents, Vent and Lucinda Crabtree, siblings, Ellen VanDyne, Brenda Crabtree.
Surviving family includes wife of 56 years, Darla, children, Stephanie (David) Brown, John (Marshell) Crabtree, Sarah (Mike Russell) Crabtree, grandchildren, Dyllan Brown, Kelly Crabtree, Marisa Brown, Ashlee Brown, Kaleigh Russell, Khloe Russell, Kinleigh Russell, sister, Emmallie Seum.
Visitation will be held from 10-11am, Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Madison Christian Church, 3565 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125, where a funeral service will be held at 11am.
Burial to follow at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens, Canal Winchester, OH.
In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Research in memory Kelly Jo Crabtree.