Dale Henry Crabtree

Dale Henry Crabtree passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Dallas, TX on June 19, 2023 after a brief hospital stay due to health issues and contracting CoViD.

Dale was born in Platter, OK on November 5, 1937, the fifth of seven children. Dale came from humble beginnings in a small rural town where he worked in the cotton fields, picking cotton with his father and brothers. He was a hard-working man, valued a hard-day’s work, was professional, dedicated to his business, and proud of his family.

Dale achieved many professional goals in his life. He started his first career at the young age of 15, working in the mailroom of the Dallas Times Herald, and worked his way through the ranks in many areas of the newspaper business. Eventually, he ran a press at the main newspapers in the Dallas County area - The Dallas Times Herald and The Dallas Morning News. He also traveled out-of-state and worked on special assignments for the Kansas City, Missouri newspaper.

After leaving his career in the newspaper business, Dale became interested in hairstyling and enrolled in barber school at the Texas Barber College under the direction of owner Helen Spears, and Dale eventually became one of the top hairstylists in the Dallas Metroplex. Once he graduated from barber school, Dale had the opportunity to buy Medallion Barbers. Dale took several specialty haircutting/styling technique classes to enhance his abilities and offer his clients a specialized service. His barber shop was featured in several newspaper articles, and was one of the most successful and longest-operating barbershops of its kind. He owned the Medallion Barbers shop for almost 50 years. Dale took pride in coaching and mentoring many barbers over the years. He has many friends he has left behind as a result of his barbershop in the community. Dale retired and sold his business in 2019 and began enjoying his farm.

Dale’s hobbies included: landscaping, birdwatching, boating, all sports, gardening, dancing, listening to classic country music, horses, flowers, entertaining, old vintage western movies featuring Doc Holiday/Wyatt Earp, and visiting/spending time with his family and friends. He was also a good Push Dancer and frequently participated at several local popular dance clubs where he won many dancing contest trophies. Dale also admired/enjoyed his pets and animals.

Dale was very proud of being a Mason. He was an active member of the Edward J. Keith Lodge prior to his health problems. Dale was passionate about giving back and donated/supported several organizations over the years.

Anyone that knew Dale would say he had a vibrant personality, charisma, charm, was a showman and well dressed. Although we are heartbroken over his passing, we’re so grateful for the lessons he taught us, the memories he leaves us with, and the legacy he left for us to aspire towards.

Mr. Crabtree was preceded in death by: wife Judy Clarice (Schmitz) Crabtree; parents Rubert and Ruby (Anderson) Crabtree; brother Robert Leon (R.L.) Crabtree; brother Andy (Buzz) Crabtree; and brother Jimmy Lee (Jim) Crabtree.

Survivors include: daughter Deborah Joy Crabtree Lewis and husband Mike of Rowlett; grandchildren Shannon Mathews (husband John), Tina Burchett, Amy Rowlett, and Joshua Wood; great-grandchildren Kylie Mathews, Bailey Mathews Robinson, and Isabella Burchett; daughter Karen Anne Parker and her grandchildren; brother Donald Huey Crabtree and wife Barbara “Bobbie”; sister Billie Mae Crabtree Burke; sister Wilma Carol Crabtree Oliver; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Don Crabtree, Doug Crabtree, Michael Lewis, John Mathews, Brent Robinson, Joe Don Law, Jim Day, Jay Nelson, Earl Slocumb, Mando DeLuna, and Samuel Vasquez.

For a man who battled illness, Dale fought his health problems for four long years. Despite spending much of that time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor, desire to get better, and hope. Throughout his entire journey, he cracked jokes, always maintained a positive attitude, and even pulled some light-hearted jokes on the medical staff. Every facility he was in, he impressed the staff and they would report how he had such great spirits and that it was a pleasure to work with him. He had a great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed.

A special thank you to the people at Accent Care Inpatient Hospice at Presbyterian Hospital, for their loving care and support during his final days. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home for being very accommodating, understanding, and empathetic during this difficult time.

Per Dale’s request, he will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lindsay following private services.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists