Donald Ralph Crabtree, Sr.

Don was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, at the age of 77, on April 20, 2022 at his home in Immokalee, FL.  Don was born on December 24, 1944 in Saint Augustine, FL to Donald and Frances (Acosta) Ragan.  He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia Glidden Crabtree; daughter, Gina Taylor (Tim); sons Donald Ralph Crabtree Jr (Maria), and James Clinton Crabtree; grandchildren, Jennifer Arevalo (Adrian), Alyssa Reidy (Steve), Hale Vantol (Brett), CJ Blocker, Tyler, James, Julianna, Mackenna, Nathan, Kayden, and Dustin Crabtree; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Sharon Edwards.

Don was a Vietnam War Veteran, retired Game Warden with Florida Game & Freshwater Fish Commission, ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Criminal Justice teacher at Immokalee High School.

Don graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1963.  He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War where he was a helicopter gunner and radio technician.  He was a Sgt E-5 (T) at the time of discharge in 1966.  Don earned several honorable medals while proudly serving the United States of America – an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Medal to name a few.  He served in the Army Reserves until 1969.

Don joined FGC in 1970 and after a short time in the Miami-Dade area he moved to Immokalee, Florida where he decided to plant his roots and served as a legendary Game Warden until he retired in 1998.

After leaving the FGC Don proudly served as a substitute teacher and discovered a love for teaching and empowering the youth of Immokalee.  He earned a Bachelors' degree in Liberal Studies from Barry University with top honors.  For the past 20 years he has enthusiastically and highly effectively educated and mentored students at Immokalee High School.  He founded/designed the curriculum for the Criminal Justice program and security detail program for Collier County Public Schools.  He has proudly served as a pastor, Game Warden, educator, Little League baseball coach, Pop Warner football president, educator, and mentor.

In whatever capacity Don served he did so with his whole heart and every ounce of his being…and then some.

Don loved and served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, his community, and his country with his whole heart.  Don made an impact Don on so many.  The effects of his services will live on for years and years to come.

Services will be Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Immokalee High School auditorium.  The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00am with his Celebration of Life at beginning at 11:00 am.  Pastor Ricky Turrubiarnatez of Revelation Church, Pastor Josh Leadingfox of Immokalee First Seminole Baptist Church, and close friend Ariza Reyes will lead the services.

We ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Immokalee High School for the Don Crabtree Memorial Criminal Justice Scholarship fund.