Jerry Crabtree

Jerry Hayden Crabtree, 60, of Bauxite Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Jerry was born on July 13, 1965, in Batesville, Arkansas, to O.D. and Jane Crabtree.

He was the devoted husband, soulmate, and best friend of Brandi Crabtree for 20 beautiful years.

She has been his caregiver for the last several years. Brandi was not only his partner in life, but his safe place. Even in his hardest moments, he would remind her that as long as he could see her, everything would be okay—a love that never wavered and never will.

Jerry was a proud and loving father to Tyler Crabtree (Cortnee), Justin Crabtree (fiancé Brigitte Rodriguez), and his baby girl, Hayden Crabtree. He was “Pops” to his grandchildren, Charolette, Grayson, and Landon, who brought him endless pride and joy. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and he loved them fiercely, protectively, and without condition.

He is also survived by his brother, Burl Crabtree (Stephanie) of Benton, Arkansas; his sisters, Lucinda Rogers (Mark) of Benton, Arkansas, and Pamela Winkler (Tim) of Leonard, Texas. He was loved & cherished by his niece’s & nephews, Lindsey, Marcus & Andrew, Rachel, Bryan & Jessica, Quinn & Bradley.

Jerry worked for many years alongside his sister and brother-in-law at Mark Rogers Heating & Air. Even as his health declined, he continued to push forward with strength and determination, supported by a team who became family & loved him. Jerry held a special place in his heart for every one of them. A special thanks goes to Rebel Wetherington and Trevor Hall, who stood by his side and became like sons to him.

A man of deep faith, Jerry loved the Lord, his church, and his church family at First Pentecostals of Benton. His life was a reflection of his faith—strong, steady, and full of compassion.

Jerry was known for his incredible sense of humor. He had a gift for making people smile, whether they were lifelong friends or complete strangers. He never met a person he wouldn’t help, and he never expected anything in return. He was a protector, a provider, and a fighter—one of the strongest men those who knew him had ever seen.

He found peace in the outdoors and was nothing short of a legend when it came to hunting. He also carried a quiet talent for art, able to draw just about anything, often leaving behind his signature gorilla drawing on his work—a simple mark that said, “I was here.”

He will be remembered for his sayings, his strength, and the way he faced life head-on, often brushing off hardship with a smile and a joke—“I’ve had worse cuts than that in my eye.”

Jerry’s heart was as big as his strength. He was kind and gentle, yet bold and brave. He loved deeply and completely, especially his family, who meant everything to him.

He also leaves behind his loyal companion, Jules, his beloved dog, who rarely left his side and seemed to understand his heart in a way only she could.

Jerry is also remembered with respect and gratitude alongside Darla Gann, the mother of his two sons, who has been a loving mother and “Meme” to his grandchildren.

Though Jerry is no longer with us in body, the love he gave, the strength he showed, and the legacy he built will live on in every life he touched.

A visitation will be on Wednesday May 6, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM and a celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Thursday May 7th, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The location for both will be at First Pentecostals of Benton with burial following at Mount Harmony Cemetery in Haskell.  Serving as pallbearers are:  Tyler Crabtree, Justin Crabtree, Hayden Crabtree, Marcus Rogers, Andrew Rogers, Bryan Crabtree, and Quinn Winkler.  Honorary pallbearer is Bradley Winkler.  

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.