Jule Oliver Crabtree

Jule Oliver Crabtree, 98, longtime resident of Royal City, a man devoted to God, a hard working farmer, faithful husband, loving father, excellent teacher, lifelong learner, talented athlete and so much more, died in his home with his dear family near on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

Jule was the son of Benjamin and Ruth (Frost) Crabtree and was born on February 2, 1914 in Lynden, Washington. He graduated from Lynden High School in 1933 and began working at Washington Co-op in 1934. He was a dairy and poultry farmer for many years before enrolling in Western Washington College of Education when he was 41. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1959, his Master's of Education in 1963 and his Principal's Credentials in 1970 through Central Washington State University. He married his dear wife, Georgiann, on June 20, 1965. When she passed away in 1974, Jule raised their two daughters as a single parent. He taught 5th grade and then Title I Migrant for a total of 23 years, 1962-1985, in the Royal School District. He loved literature and language and was fluent in both French and Spanish. He was a Volunteer Fireman and E.M.T. for Fire District 10 in Royal City. He served his local church and loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1985, Jule began a new "career" as a runner at 71 years of age completing 7 marathons, many half marathons, and numerous 10K and 5K races and medaled each time. His other hobbies included reading, gardening, rock hunting, fishing, hunting, and hiking. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Crabtree is survived by his children, Julienne (Brian) Manaois of Black Diamond, WA and Jeanine (Kevin) Pfeiffer of Maple Valley, WA; six grandchildren; one brother, David (Doris) Crabtree of Lynden, WA, sister-in-law Hazel Crabtree of Lynden, WA, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgiann, his brothers Ben, Keith and Vincent Crabtree, and sisters Ruth Miller and Elsie Englert. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial service in honor of Jule will be held at 2:00 on February 2, 2013 at the Royal City Church of the Nazarene, 279 Calla Street, Royal City, WA.

You are invited to share your memories of Jule by signing the online guest book at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in Jule's name may be made to:

First Baptist Church of Royal City

P.O. Box 306

Royal City, WA 99357

Jule's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for final arrangements.