FRANKLIN DEE CRABTREE, 82, of North Fort Myers, FL, died peacefully, surrounded by love, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Dee was born September 19, 1938 and grew up in the small town of Golden City, Missouri, the youngest child raised by his mother. He met his sweetheart, Betty Jean Bergdall, in Enid, Oklahoma and married there July 27, 1957. After nearly 64 yearsof marriage, he still thanked her each day for her love and patient wisdom.

Dee worked in the shoe business with Genesco for most of his career, moving his young family from Enid, to Tulsa, to Oklahoma City, to Houston, Texas as a retail shoe store manager, working long hours; then moves to St. Louis and finally to Nashville, Tennessee where he worked in the import division with extensive travel to Brazil and India. Along the way, he imparted his abiding work ethic and generous consideration for other peoplethrough work, church, home, and family. His children and grandchildren are the beneficiaries of his life lessons, love, attention, and care.

After retirement Dee and Betty moved to Murfreesboro, TN to be closer to Brenda and her children, Keith and Eric. Then they moved to North Fort Myers in 2014 to be closer to Steven and his children, Jefferson and Sarah.

Dee is survived by his wife, Betty; son Steven Dee Crabtree; son in law, Steve Dawson; grandchildren Eric Dawson, Jefferson Dee Crabtree, and Sarah Anne Crabtree. He was preceded in death by his parents, adoring siblings, and daughter Brenda Lea Crabtree, and grandsonKeith Crabtree Dawson. He leaves behind family and friends he loved greatly, and those who will miss him in the days ahead.

Private services will be held and shared with family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice of Lee County, Florida.

Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.

Affordable Cremations by Baldwin Brohters is honored to serve the Crabtree family during this difficult time.