Timothy Lee Crable, 75, Kansas City, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024 at KU Medical Center after a very long road trying to recover from a mowing accident he suffered last November. 

Tim was born November 17, 1948, in Kansas City, KS.  He was part of a large family with his siblings and the occasional cousin filling the house.  He grew up learning to hunt and fish with his dad and brothers and developed a love for the outdoors that he would enjoy his entire life.

Tim was a veteran and served with the United States Army, 43rd Artillery Division.  He did his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He completed his artillery/tank training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and was stationed in Düsseldorf, West Germany and guarded missiles in Kapellen.  Tim was inducted on May 20, 1968 and was honorably discharged on May 12, 1970; net service period 1 year, 11 months and 23 days. Judging from his letters home, he was counting down the days.

Tim was a millwright and worked for various companies, including Trailmobile and Conmaco. He retired from General Motors Fairfax Assembly in 2007.  As a member of UAW Local 31, he was elected and appointed to several union positions including Alternate District Representative, District Representative, Ergonomics Representative for Skilled Trades and Delegate to the National Convention. He was also a proud member of the UAW Community Action Program and could be found manning the phone banks to get voters to the polls on election days.

Tim volunteered many hours at The Grinter Place State Historic Site and the Grinter Place Friends’ (Barn) Event Space.  He always helped with the various, historic activities and was quick to help with building repairs.  He served as the grounds keeper for many years at these locations and always made sure the property had “show grass” for those holding events.

Tim never met a stranger and had friends to visit everywhere he traveled. He was a great friend to all his neighbors and would always offer his help to those in need.  Over the years, Tim made many memories and connections through dirt bike riding, mushroom hunting, trail riding on his horses, fishing tournaments, countless hunting trips and enjoying a beer at the local bars.  He recently joined the KCK Moose Lodge #1999 where he enjoyed their activities and catching up with new and old friends.

He stayed in touch with so many high school buddies and friends from GM.  Until covid, Thursday nights always included card games at Simpson’s Garage.  Tim often attended his Washington High School Class of ’66 luncheons and maintained his grade-school friendship with Joel Woolery his entire life.

He enjoyed raising German Shorthair Pointers with his wife, as well as guiding with his dogs at Cokeley Farms in Delia, KS.  He also enjoyed having horses and trail riding.  He loved getting his daughter, Courtney, and all the nieces and nephews up on the horses for a fun afternoon at home.

Tim was an avid fisherman and loved his time on the lakes, including his travels to Canada. You could always find him opening day at Wyandotte County Lake.  At the encouragement of Lee and Ellen Brewer, Tim and his wife joined the Olathe Sportsmen’s Club and fished many tournaments throughout Kansas.  However, after working all night and traveling to the tournament, the boat didn’t always make in the water.  No worries, someone always sent him home with fish!  Tim always enjoyed frying up and eating a batch of fish.  He picked up his much loved recipe from a generous member of the Olathe Sportsmen’s Club and was always happy to serve it at parties and large gatherings.

Tim was known for his tomato garden. He grew them just to share with all his friends, relatives and neighbors.  Delivering tomatoes was a social event for him. He enjoyed giving out those sacks of tomatoes almost as much as those receiving them enjoyed eating them. Whenever you found a sack of tomatoes on your porch, you knew Tim had been there!

Tim is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lee and Alice Geraldine Wagner Crable. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Louise Jones Crable; son, Jeffrey Crable, McLouth, KS; daughter, Courtney Crable Eiterich (Dirk), Lenexa, KS; Aunt, Dolly Wagner Kleppin, Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Zachary Crable (Haley), Madison Hein (Zachary), Mackenzie Crable (Jake), Aydan Knight, Bryson Eiterich, Rowan Eiterich; great-grandchildren, Ellie Jo Crable, Beckett Hein, Berkley Hein, Dalaynie Maurer, Dallie Maurer; siblings, Mary Stiles, Jim Crable, Teresa Edwards (Lanny), Randy Crable (Peggy), Steve Crable (Debbie); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, 2024, at the Grinter Barn, 1400 South 78th Street, Kansas City, KS 66111.   Time: 3:00-7:00pm with remarks at 4:00pm.