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Franklin Leroy Crabtree Sr., age 79, of Somerset, Kentucky, a beloved husband, father, broadcaster, and community figure, peacefully passed from this life on August 23, 2026 following a brief illness.
Frank was born on July 10, 1947, in Mannheim, Germany. At the age of two, he came to the United States and was raised in Moundsville, West Virginia.
As a young man, Frank was offered a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, but instead chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he trained in military intelligence. At the age of 19, Frank was severely injured in an automobile accident while serving in the military, resulting in permanent paralysis of his right leg. Despite the challenges and pain that followed, he never allowed his disability to define the life he would go on to live.
In 1972, Frank moved to Somerset, Kentucky, a community he would proudly call home for the remainder of his life.
Frank’s lifelong love of broadcasting, combined with his genuine passion for people, allowed him to touch countless lives. His familiar voice became known throughout the Somerset community, and in his later years, his online radio station allowed him to connect with listeners across the United States and around the world.
Beyond broadcasting, Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, charitable involvement, and spending time with the people he loved. He believed deeply in investing in his family and his community, always looking for opportunities to encourage others, bring laughter into difficult moments, and make people feel genuinely cared for.
Frank was known for his strong faith, uplifting spirit, quick wit, compassion, encouragement, resilience, and remarkable ability to connect with people. His humor could brighten a room, his voice could comfort a listener, and his kindness made people feel important.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lisa Crabtree, and his father, Leroy Franklin Crabtree.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Donna Crabtree; his daughter, Dawn Lisa Crabtree (partner Corey and granddaughter Mahala); his son, Franklin Leroy Crabtree Jr. (wife Chrissy and son Levi); his brother, Steve Crabtree (wife Jan and Sons) along with extended family, friends, listeners, and members of the community whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
His presence will be deeply missed, but the love, laughter, encouragement, and kindness he gave so freely will continue through the many lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life honoring Frank will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Southern Oaks Funeral Home in Somerset, Kentucky. A public time of remembrance and fellowship will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A service for family and close friends will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Frank will then be laid to rest at Mill Springs Battlefield, with the final committal service beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Honor Guard Post #38.