Earl "Butch" Crabb

Earl “Butch” Crabb, 77, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Butch was born May 7, 1948 to Max and Evelyn (McClain) Crabb in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in the area with many fond memories. His happiest childhood moments were spent on his grandparent’s farm in Ivy, where he spent many summers with his siblings and cousins.

A true aviation enthusiast, Butch developed a love for aircraft early on. He studied aviation at Des Moines Technical High School before joining the Iowa Air National Guard in 1967. He was also employed by the Air Guard for over 33 years in various positions, always focused on aircraft mechanics. During these years he valued the opportunity of traveling to numerous countries. He proudly retired at the end of 2001 as Chief Master Sergeant. In more recent years he enjoyed reminiscing at weekly gatherings with other retirees of the 132nd Wing.

Butch had many favorite pastimes: NASCAR, playing cards, golf, reading, watching historical documentaries, bicycling, boating, camping, and skiing. He also enjoyed tackling mechanical challenges, always a hands-on “do it yourself” kind of guy. Fishing was his passion whether it was local ponds, the great lakes, or the ocean. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with family, friends, and especially his grandsons.

Butch and Pam enjoyed many travels over their 56 years together, but especially the family vacations to Door County and Mexico with all their “kids”. He was very proud of his two daughters and adored being “Papa” to his four grandsons. He loved watching all their sports and activities.

Butch is remembered by his wife, Pam; his daughters, Tricia and Jeff Brock, and Traci and Kevin Kadlec; his grandsons, Jake Kadlec, Griffen and Nora Brock, Klein Brock and Magnus Brock; siblings, Shirley (Glenn) Fox, Bev (Dennis) Rife, Wanda Wilcoxon, Pam Smith, and Randy (Lynn) Crabb; as well as extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Downing; parents, Max and Jean Crabb; and parents-in-law, Chuck and Dorothy Dickey.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Private burial will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print