Dale A. Crabtree

Dale A. Crabtree, age 59 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at his residence following a valiant battle with cancer. He was born March 14, 1967 in Independence County, Arkansas, the son of W.D. “Red” and Ava Lee (Varnell) Crabtree. Dale was a 1985 graduate of Southside High School in Arkansas. He married Lori A. Bennett on September 2, 1988, and they shared more than 37 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Dale retired earlier this year from Astemo Corporation in Greenfield where he worked for the past 10 years as a manufacturing engineer. Prior to working at Astemo, he worked at Guide Lamp division of General Motors in Anderson and Progressive Plastics in Elwood. Dale owned and operated Dale’s Auto Detailing for several years in Elwood. Dale was a member of Grace Community Church in Elwood.

Dale was a devoted volunteer fireman for Pipe Creek Fire Department for over 25 years, retiring as Chief of the Department. He was deeply respected by his fellow firefighters and was a member of the Volunteer Firefighters Association. Dale was known as an avid outdoorsman – enjoying nothing more than hunting or spending time boating at Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee. He was also a longtime woodworker, making furniture and specialty pieces for family and friends. In his free time, Dale liked to watch WWE Wrestling and NASCAR racing. More than anything, Dale was devoted to his family and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He will be remembered as a man with an impeccable work ethic who would help anyone in need. Dale’s legacy will live on in a host of family members and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife, Lori Crabtree of Elwood; 2 daughters, Kelsey (Korsen) Stiner of Tipton, and Bailey (Jalen) Cole of Elwood; brother, David (Jennifer) Crabtree of Batesville, Ark; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Martha Bennett of Elwood; brother-in-law, Jeff (Michelle) Bennett of Tipton; 2 granddaughters, Ava Lee Stiner and Kinley Rae Stiner; a 3rd grandchild he just found out about, “Baby Cole”, expected in 2027; former step-mother, Dorothy Clayton; former step-sisters, Debra Cunningham and Deanna Richardson; nieces and nephews, Brittany (Steven) Baker, Leea (Tyler) Godush, Jack (Sydney) Bennett, and Lauren Bennett; several great-nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Dale was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service celebrating Dale’s life and legacy will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Bill Johnston of Grace Community Church officiating. Burial will follow the service in Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 7 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hinds Career Center - Fire Training Program through the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.