Roy Woodrow Crabb, Jr.

Roy Woodrow Crabb, Jr. died in the hours just before sunrise on Monday, May 21, 2012 at home in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 70 years old. Roy was born on February 6, 1942 in North Charleroi, Washington County, Pennsylvania to his parents, the late Roy Woodrow Crabb, Sr. and Jennie Louise Mason Crabb. As a young man he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a Lt. Col., Retired Air Force and was a decorated pilot from the Vietnam War. He was a true "hero" in the eyes and hearts of, not only his family but, many of his comrades as well as millions of his fellow Americans. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Roy began a long and successful career as an airline pilot for Southwest Airlines. He was well-liked by everyone whomever had the opportunity to work with him and found him to be responsible with every aspect of his chosen profession. He moved to Arizona 18 years ago and spent the last few years living in Show Low. He loved the beauty of the White Mountains and always felt a special peace there. Following his retirement, Roy found many ways to pass the time away. During the winter months, he could frequently be found "burning up the slopes", as he was an avid snow skier. He was always a loving husband throughout his marriage to his devoted wife. He loved to travel throughout the world with her and some of his happiest moments in life were spent with her driving all over the country in their R.V. Roy was a great example to his sons and showed them daily, what being a father truly meant. He enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could and when his granddaughter was born, his joy grew ten-fold. Roy lived life to the fullest and he completed his life on earth with "No Regrets." Roy is survived by his wife, Rita Marie (Fromen) Crabb of Show Low, Arizona; 2 sons: Christopher (Missy) Crabb of Surprise, Arizona, Matthew Crabb of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; 1 brother, Jim Crabb of Portland, Oregon and his granddaughter, Brianna Crabb. Private family services will be held at a later date. Roy's family is thankful for all of the sympathies expressed to them and are especially grateful for all the prayers offered up on their behalf. They also would like to publicly send a special "Thank-you" out to Hospice Compassus for the tender care they gave Roy during his last days in this life. You are all heaven sent.