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| Don Crabtree |
Don was born August 21, 1928 in Borger, Texas, to the late Ernest Wiley and Mable (Riddle) Crabtree. He was their sixth of seven children. He was raised in Ada, Oklahoma but spent a lot of time at his grandparent’s farm where he developed his great love for horses. At East Central University, he met Billie Jean Gardenhire, who would be the love of his life and the mother of his children. Together they transferred to the University of Oklahoma where Don attended an athletic scholarship for track. He was the anchor leg on the 1 mile relay team, and was a 1/2 mile runner. Don broke the OU 880 yard record, which then stood for nearly the next 30 years.
During his time at OU Don and Billie Jean were married and their first daughter, Deborah, was born (1954). Don spent time working in the oil fields of Colorado, and riding in rodeos. After graduation Don served two years in the Army during which time his second daughter, Cheryl was born (1956).