Harry Crabb Obituary

Harry Edward Crabb was born at his home in McPherson, Kansas on October 24, 1923 to Paul Ceton and Louise Molzen Crabb. He and his twin sister Harriette were the last of their eight children.

Harry attended Victory Elementary and McPherson High Schools and McPherson College. With all four of his brothers serving in WWII and his father becoming ill, he took over the operation of the family farm; this became his career. In addition to farming, he was a musician and played trumpet in area dance bands. He later worked as a carpenter, had a lightning rod business, and worked at the Moundridge Mill and Goering Hardware. No matter his employment, he frequently played trumpet in his church and community. He was part of a locally-formed trumpet trio from 1986 to 2009 that donated all of their proceeds to charity.

He married Elizabeth (Betty) Goering of Moundridge, Kansas on June 21, 1945, and they made their home on a farm near Moundridge, Kansas. They raised three children and were active members of the Eden Mennonite Church, where Harry sang in the church choirs from 1945 until 2009. When Betty became ill and they were no longer able to remain on their farm, they retired to Pine Village in Moundridge, where Harry became Betty's caretaker. After twenty years at Pine Village they moved to Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas in August of 2009. Betty passed away four months later, and Harry remained there until his death. His greatest joys during his stay at Presbyterian Manor were practicing his trumpet daily and being a member of the New Horizons Band, attending Plymouth Church with his family, and going to City Band Concerts in South Park.

He leaves behind his three children and their families: Daughter Janeal (Randy) Krehbiel (Lawrence) and their daughters Missy (Valley Village, CA), and Heather (Brendan) McDonough (Wichita, KS); Daughter Marilyn (LaVerne) Epp (Lawrence, KS) and their children Tyler (Melissa) Epp, (Overland Park, KS); Paul, (KC, MO); Susie (Austin, TX); Son R. Paul (Ginny) Crabb (Columbia, MO) and daughters Erin (Sam) Zipper (Victoria, B.C.), and Lindsey (Steve) Girard (Madison, WI), and great grandchildren Grace, Brooke, and Griffin McDonough, Malone and Trey Epp, Olive Zipper, and Finn Girard.

His legacy will include his friendly spirit, his positive attitude and unbridled optimism. Despite a series of setbacks and challenges he encountered, Harry always practiced "blooming where he was planted."

There will be a Visitation for friends and family at the Lawrence, Kansas Presbyterian Manor Chapel on First Floor (West Entrance) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 2. Burial and Memorial services will be on Saturday, March 16 at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge KS.


Charitable donations can be made to New Horizons Band or Lawrence Children's Choir and should be sent to Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 West 13th Street; Lawrence, KS 66044.