John J. Burgess Crabtree, 78, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born in the small town of Louisa, Kentucky on Monday, February 14, 1944. His father, Jack, passed away when John was an infant. He was taught by his mother Sylvia (nee Webb) about how to be a good boy, and he learned about the fun things in life from his Uncle Samuel. Late into his teenage years and early twenties, John served in the army as a demolition’s specialist.
John moved to Columbus, Ohio after the army and began work as a calculator and typewriter repairman (after feigning that he had the qualifications). He relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio in his late twenties and became, over time, a very successful typewriter salesman. He also moonlit as a bartender (for 30+ years) at concerts at Riverfront Coliseum, for the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals and the private, historic Queen City Club. He enjoyed serving professional athletes, former presidents and even Neil Armstrong.
John had a sense of adventure and a passion for photographing landscapes and animals in their natural habitat. Multiple trips to Yellowstone National Park and Moab, Utah provided boundless inspiration. Along his travels, he never met a stranger, and could often be seen with his dogs, Hannah, or Rusty, by his side. He enjoyed science, especially astrology, history shows, and could often be found playing Jeopardy at home along with the contestants and being “awesome.”
John was predeceased in death by his parents, his wife Flora, and his stepson David B. Doran. He is survived by his brother Hobart, his daughter Kim, his daughter-in-law Gina, his granddaughter Allison, his grandson John, his son-in-law Tom Mills, daughter-in-law Vickie, grandchildren Thomas and Jada, and his longtime girlfriend Joyce. A gathering will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at Fares J. Radel Funeral Home at 5950 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio from 11am-12:30pm, followed by a burial at Guardian Angels Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Bethesda Foundation (supporting Bethesda North Hospital, Hospice of Cincinnati and Fernside Center for Grieving Children) or Cincinnati Animal CARE/Hamilton County Animal Shelter.
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