Clarence Adelbert Crabtree was born at his home in Leeton Missouri on October 19, 1939, to parents, Clarence and Irene Crabtree. Named after his father, Clarence Crabtree, he has always been called by his middle name, Delbert and is the oldest of four children.

Delbert spent most of his early years on a farm in Chilhowee, Missouri, learning farm life and hard work of raising crops and animals. At the age of 8, he was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as Community of Christ.

As a youth, Delbert attended Chilhowee School and didn't love it, except for shop class. Upon graduation from high school, he attended one year at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He came home to work with Burr Bronson, who was employed with Andes and Roberts in Independence, Missouri. While employed there, he began learning the construction trade. Burr, aka "Uncle Burr" introduced Delbert to Denece Elizabeth Morical, who was his great-niece. It wasn't long until Uncle Burr also united them in marriage on October 3, 1959. Delbert was only 19 at the time and his mother had to sign permission for him to marry.

They began their marriage in Lone Jack, Missouri, lived a short period of time in Holden, Missouri, before moving to Independence, to continue his work with Andes and Roberts. However, farm life kept calling, so they returned to a farm in Chilhowee, eventually taking over the dairy from his father and raising their three daughters, Toni, Boni and Janet.

In 1976, they bought a farm near Warrensburg with the dream of creating Crabtree Country subdivision. He built the first house in the subdivision around 1979, and moved there, closing the dairy and selling that property. He began building and selling other homes in the subdivision. He also worked with other contractors building apartment complexes, Casey's stores, remodeling commercial buildings including the Masonic Hall in Warrensburg. In 1986 he took a brief hiatus from Missouri and moved to the Washington DC area restoring and remodeling historic homes, including two homes of now-retired Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller. Returning to Missouri in October of 1989, Delbert continued building homes as well as remodeling jobs and other projects for many friends and family members, not to mention area churches and businesses. Over the years, it is estimated that he lived in 18 homes, most of which he built.

Delbert has been active in Community of Christ and served as both a Priest and Elder in several congregations around Warrensburg. He was well known for his big heart and generosity. Along with three daughters, he and Denece took in her nephew, Ben, who lived with them for many years. They hosted 9 exchange students as well as other family members who needed a short-term home and work. Delbert took many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends under his wing and passed to them many of his building and farming skills. Although, according to one niece, his electrical skills needed tweaking. She recalled a refrigerator that wasn't grounded until you touched it.

It was not uncommon to see Delbert sharing with others the produce from his garden, honey from his beekeeping or furniture he had made. Very seldom did he ask for something in return. If asked when he was going to retire, he would respond with, "When you retire, you're supposed to do something you love and I'm already doing what I love every day!"

Delbert passed peacefully in his home on the evening of August 5, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Denece, a sister Patricia Baugman, brother Raymond Crabtree, Sister Rosalee Cunningham, daughter Toni Jo Hanretta (Michael), daughter Boni Lee (Randy), daughter Janet Everhart (Glenn) nephew Ben LaShure, eight grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren (and one on the way), and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great- nephews and a great-great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Irene Dennison Crabtree, his father Clarence Leland DeRice Crabtree, brothers in law Ivan Baughman & William Cunningham and sister-in-laws Ruthada Crabtree and Cheryl Crabtree.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at the Warrensburg Community of Christ, 700 S Mitchell St, Warrensburg MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Healing Strong https://healingstrong.org/donate or to the Warrensburg Community of Christ - Building Fund.