Dr. Frank Crabb

Dr. Frank Mills Crabb, age 79, of Benton, died Friday, January 25, 2013. He was born in Wynne, Arkansas on March 26, 1933 Frank was the 7th child of 8 children born to the late Aaron Floyd Wills and Winifred Floy Chadwick Wills. After the untimely early death of both parents, the five youngest children (two sisters and three brothers) came to Little Rock to live in the Arkansas Methodist Children's Home. Jerry was adopted by Harlow and Glena Kraus of Clarksville, Jack was adopted by Rev. Fred and Mary Harrison of Texarkana and Frank by Eldon and Ethel Crabb of Benton. Two older brothers and one older sister continued their education and careers in the military. The eight children managed to maintain close contact with each other over the years with frequent visits and planned family reunions that have continued to this date through the 3rd generation. When Frank came to Benton in 1945, he found the all American dream of a young boy, a friendly and loving community. He was never idle, he could be seen every day riding his bicycle across town delivering telegrams or the local paper with his faithful dog, Sport, following close behind. Throughout high school, Frank was a straight A student and an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and track. He earned a football scholarship to attend Southern State College, now called Southern Arkansas University. Frank maintained a 3.6 GPA with a degree in Chemistry, graduated with honors, voted most intelligent, class favorite, received the board of trustees "Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Graduate" award and was listed on the Arkansas Intercollegiate Football Team. During the summer of 1955, before fall semester at Washington University School of Dentistry, Frank worked as a recreation director at Tyndall Park. A great summer of activities on the ball fields and the swimming pool. After 4 years of dental school, Frank served his obligated tour of duty with the U.S. Army and was stationed in El Paso, Texas. After this tour, he maintained active through the Arkansas National Guard. From 1961 to 1966, Frank shared a dental office in Wynne with a former Washington University classmate. Later, he came to Benton and has practiced Dentistry for over 45 years. His patients used to call him the "singing dentist". Frank enjoyed people and lived life to the fullest. When he was not in the office, he was on the golf course at Trace Creek Country Club. During the thriving days of Trace Creek, he served as President and was Chairman of many 4 Ball Tournaments which he invited golfers around Central Arkansas. Frank served in the Army National Guard 204th Medical Detachment, another area of his interest in people and serving others. His unit was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991 He later retired as LT. Colonel. After 44 years as a practicing dentist, Frank closed the doors to his clinic and enjoyed many days of retirement with his family, working in his yard, catching up on grandchildren's activities and visiting relatives. He was a member of the Benton First United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Azy Tubb Crabb; son, J. Frank Crabb and wife Denise, grandson, Matt Larkan and granddaughter, Rachel and husband Paul Dormas; daughter, Cristal and husband Jack McQuary, grandsons, Ross and Patrick McQuary; son, Cliff Crabb, grandsons, Daniel and David Crabb and his only living sister, Mary Ann Wills Bemberg. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, January 27 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 28 at Pine Crest Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be 4 p.m. Monday, January 28 at the Benton First United Methodist Church. Family Comments: Special thanks to the Saline Memorial Hospice House in Bryant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benton First United Methodist Church Children's Playground or the Christian Community Care Clinic. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.