Lester “Oscar” Crabtree, age 69, of Liberty passed away on September 8, 2023 at his home in Liberty surrounded by his family and friends after a 6 year battle with brain cancer. One of 10 children, he was born on February 5, 1954 in La Follette, Tennessee to James and Ethel Evans Crabtree.

Lester was of the Baptist faith. He was a former member of Blooming Grove Baptist Church and a current member of Crosspointe Biker Church in Connersville. 

Lester received his GED from Connersville Vocational School. He then went on to work for Custom Extrusions and D&M in Connersville.

On September 9, 1972, he married the love of his life and mother of his children, Marcia Burton, at Western Avenue Baptist Church in Connersville. They were blessed with nearly 51 years of marriage.

Lester was a very accomplished auto body repairman working on countless vehicles for many customers. He was a perfectionist in his work. The hot rods he built many years ago are still receiving accolades today. While working at D&M, Les started Les's Body Shop in Connersville. His son, Jeremy, joined him in 1993. Together, the Crabtree family built their business that later became Crabtree Auto Sales in 2000.   

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Marcia Crabtree; daughter, Michelle (Chad Hamblin) Presson; son, Jeremy (Lindsey) Crabtree, all of Liberty; sisters, Mollie Russell of Caryville, Tenn., Gearline Shelley of Connersville, Brenda (Larry) Berry of Hagerstown, and Judie Crabtree of Lawrenceburg; a brother, Bobby (Linda) Crabtree of Connersville; five grandchildren, Keith Lee Presson Jr., Dylan (Claire) Presson, Leslie (Eric Herrmann) Presson, Chloe Crabtree, and Jeremiah Hamblin; brothers-in law, Danny (Pam) Burton and Chester (Sandy) Burton; his beloved pet and shop dog, Cody; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mabel (Willard) Fraley, Shelby (Richard) Coleman, Lorena (David) Sweeney; brothers, Harvey (Hazel) Crabtree, Condy Crabtree Sr.; son-in-law, Keith Lee Presson Sr.; brothers-in-law, Albert Russell, Timmy Burton, and Paul Shelley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chester and Wanda Burton; close family friends, Don Hamilton and Jimmie “Poppy” Sams.

Lester's family would like to thank Bob, Lester's physical therapist, and Amber and Megan of hospice. Also, a special thank you to Kim Schroeder and Laurie Hamilton for their help and exceptional care. Additionally, to the entire family and friends that for their loving tributes for Les. May God bless all! Les lived his life by the word of God.

Romans 3:4 “let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written”

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th St. Connersville, IN. The funeral service officiated by Pastor Chris Lovett and Jerry Rader will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00am, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery. 

The family encourages anyone who would like to bring their custom hot rod, car, or truck to the funeral home on Saturday to lead Les's procession to Dale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Les to Crosspointe Biker Church or the Community Christian School in Connersville.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Paid obituary