Donald Wayne Crabtree

Donald Wayne Crabtree, 72, of Liberty, died suddenly at home on September 25, 2026.

Don was born on August 20, 1954 to Donald R. Crabtree and Shirley J. Alexander Crabtree at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA, when his father was serving  in the US Navy. He earned a degree in Applied Science in Engineering Technology at Rose State College in Midwest City, OK.

Don spent several years in retail store management – first working alongside his father at Moore’s Store in Ohio followed by management with TG&Y five-and-dime stores. He started his career with Cerner in Kansas City in 1987 as a Technology Specialist. He retired in 2015 and, as a friend said, Don “knew tech like nobody’s business.” His work at Cerner was a positive impact for hospital staff around the world.

After two failed attempts, Don met Julane, the love of his life, through Matchmaker International. Their love of movies, music and dancing brought them together, and they married on October 17, 1992 in Prairie Village, KS.  Soul mates forever, they spent their time together sharing both challenges and joys. When asked why she wanted to marry him, Julane stated “because he is the most wonderful man in the world!”

“Don Don the dancing man” was a wonderful Ballroom Dancer.  He and Julane danced and competed as often as possible until his health prevented it.  An avid music enthusiast, Don enjoyed listening and cataloguing music, playing guitar, and watching videos of  his favorite artists. He believed that you should be immersed in music and he could often be found in the home theater just listening with his eyes closed. His favorites were Jerry Reed, Jim Croce and Queen.

He was always excited to talk about music, movies and television. Project Runway was his only “guilty pleasure” as he preferred fast paced action and Sci-fi, especially shows and movies where things blew up. He was a master in the kitchen, just as he was working with technology. He loved to entertain and was excited to share food, music and movies with any and all.

His friends described Don as a wonderful, cheerful, and kind man having a big smile, a big laugh, and who was always happy to help.

Don is survived by his wife of 33 years, Julane Beth Crabtree; son, Brian Bailey, Lawrence KS; brothers, Timothy Crabtree (Alisa) of  Spring Hill, TN, Butch Sexton of North Las Vegas, NV, Joel Sexton (Bonnie) of Grove City, OH, and Robert Sexton of Lancaster, OH; sister, Tammy Sexton of Columbus, OH; Aunt Daisy Seaver of Heath, OH; Aunt Patricia Dixon of Piketon, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1000 East State Route 92, Kearney, MO 64060 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday October 3, 2026. Don will be cremated and his ashes taken to the family farm in Piketon, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org/donate.

Arrangements are in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.