Kenneth Crabtree

Kenny Crabtree of Toledo, Ohio passed peacefully in the early morning hours of January 27, 2026. He was born on November 6, 1955, and grew up in the Oregon area. During his years at Clay High School, Kenny formed connections that would stay with him for a lifetime.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Karen M. Crabtree, his children Erin Crabtree, Gus Crabtree (Tabby), Travis Crabtree (Emily), and Ayla Crabtree (Jay Keaton), and Karen’s children Jessica Vandoren (Jeremy), Jami Sharma (Matt), and Richard Spafford (Marina). He is survived by his father, James West, and his siblings Deb M. Connally (Butch), Bob A. West, Beth A. Short (Mike), Cindy R. Pettit (Bub), Jim W. West (Misty), Emma J. West, and Bryan A. West.

Kenny leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as grandsons and granddaughters who brought him endless pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Florence West, and his brother, Denny Crabtree.

When giving driving directions, Kenny would say, “Always forward, never straight.” If you followed that, you’d end up exactly where you needed to be. Rules were more like suggestions to him anyway—and he sure didn’t follow many of them. Kenny was the epitome of a vibe. Even if shoes were required, he probably wasn’t wearing them. Bell-bottom jeans weren’t a fashion choice; they were just Kenny. No pretense, no excess—just comfort, freedom, and being exactly who he was. He was a self-proclaimed “jack of all trades and master of none,” though anyone who saw him work knew that wasn’t quite true. He worked nearly every hands-on job you could imagine—commercial mowing, brick laying, carpentry, welding, working on ships—anything that required effort, skill, and being outdoors. Woodworking held a special place in his heart. An excellent craftsman, he made countless boxes, shelves, frames, and pieces that will continue to live on in the homes of those he loved. Kenny lived life the way he wanted. The extra never meant much to him. He couldn’t always give people everything they wanted, but he worked hard to make sure they had what they needed—and that mattered more to him than anything else. Family filled his heart. Campfires warmed his soul. Pop loved fishing with his sons and grandsons, sitting together without needing many words. He was the uncle who showed up with bags of candy and sparklers, turning ordinary moments into memories. A true hippie at heart, he wasn’t one to wander far—he needed home, and he needed his family. He found his peace there, and he shared it freely. Through them, he will live on. He loved old westerns, watching and quoting movies with perfect timing. Kenny was a wise guy and a trickster, delivering jokes so quick and clever it sometimes took a few seconds to catch on—making them even funnier when you did.

Shoeless, hardworking, witty, and real—Kenny moved through life always forward, never straight, and entirely his own way. One last quote from Pop, a Young Guns favorite, and how he called his children when it was time to gather and leave the playground or any family function. "Regulators! Mount up!"

A Celebration of Life honoring Kenny will be held on March 8, 2026, at Fire Station #3 on Bayshore Road. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a ceremony honoring his life at 3:00 p.m.