H. Gordon Crabtree

Gordon went home to heaven and into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 in Spokane, Wash.

Born Aug. 21, 1927 in Spokane to Emma and Harley Crabtree, the oldest of two children, he was raised in Greenacres and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1945, where he was one of the starting five on their state championship basketball team.

He joined the U.S. Army and met his future wife, Colleen Masters, when he was stationed at the Yuma Proving Grounds and they married on May 19, 1951. Gordon brought his new wife back to Washington state, initially took up farming with his parents and they made their home in Spangle for over 60 years.Three daughters arrived to complete their family.

Gordon is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Robin and Randy Clausen of Tacoma; daughter Rene Sarro of Seattle; daughter Donna Mellick of Spangle; grandchildren Rochelle (Jeff) Forshee, Scott Sarro, Holli Mellick, Ryan Clausen, Stacey Sarro and Chris Mellick and great-grandchildren, Noah, Naomi and Neriah Forshee, Carson and Oliver Mellick, Lox Clausen; sister-in-law Helen Masters Curtis of Paw Paw, Minn. and numerous nieces

and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sue Crabtree, his wife, Colleen Crabtree, and great-granddaughter Hannah Forshee.

Gordon's life was richly rewarded and immensely blessed by a wealth of close friends and neighbors in both Spangle and Yuma, Ariz. where he and Colleen spent many wonderful years as snowbirds. He also remained in close contact with his longtime coworkers at Pacific Telecom from which Gordon retired after 30 years of service in the Spangle, Cheney and Medical Lake areas.

Gordon was immensely proud of his military service in both World War II and Korea. The world has lost another member of the greatest generation. Gordon was a lifelong member of the Spangle Service Club, a volunteer member of the Spangle Fire Department and was active in farming, fishing, softball, bowling, golf and was an umpire and referee for youth sports.

A graveside memorial service was held Sept. 7 and Gordon is interned at Spokane Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire staff of the Riverview Care Center where Gordon resided for the past two years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Spangle Service Club or Spangle Cemetery, Spangle, WA 99031. Visit his online guestbook at cheneyfuneral.com.