Vernon Dee Crabtree

Vernon Dee Crabtree, age 72, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 22, 2019 due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Born Friday, March 28, 1947 in Bremerton, Washington, Dee is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Edith Crabtree; as well as his older sister, Ivis Crabtree. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna; his younger sister, Phyllis Stewart; his daughter, Paige Schaefer; and granddaughter, Johanna.

After serving 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, Dee went to work for IBM in 1977 and retired as a software sales executive in 2003. Following the birth of their granddaughter in 2009, Dee and his wife, Donna returned to New Mexico after living in Austin for several years and later south of Marfa, TX on an old ranch property. Although cut short, Dee was fortunate to have lived a charmed life full of family, friends and fun. He enjoyed off-road racing, pheasant hunting, bass fishing, fly fishing and flying his hot air balloon “DEELIGHT.” He was also a member of the Edgewood Masonic Lodge and was awarded “Mason of the Year” in 2015.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Dee will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.

In lieu of flowers, please visit https://movingdaywalk.org/event/moving-day-albuquerque/team/47325/ and donate to and/or join Paige Schaefer’s team “THE DEELIGHT FLYERS.” As a tribute to her Father and to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease, Paige is participating in the Parkinson’s Moving Day walk Saturday, May 18, 2019. You can view event details on the website as well.