Clifton A. Crabtree

Clifton Allen "Clif" Crabtree passed away surrounded by the love of his family leaving behind a beautiful legacy to those he knew and loved. He was born on December 9th, 1949 to Leroy Newton Crabtree and Corinne Wilson Crabtree in Dallas, Texas. He and his family of 6 did not miss a Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church.

Clif attended Sunset High School and received many awards including “All City Back of the Year.” He was recruited by UT, Naval Academy, Texas A&M and many others. He chose Rice University where his high school football coach had played. He earned three varsity letters while forming cherished lifelong friendships from his Rice football team. He stayed very involved with the Rice athletic program and was a proud member of The Full Moon Club.

Clif married Sally Bennett, his 7th grade girlfriend and high school sweetheart at Sunset High the summer before his senior year at Rice University. They had two daughters, Courtney Crabtree O'Neil and Cassie Lysbeth Crabtree. Clif was a devoted father and grandfather to his three grandchildren. The grandkids lovingly called him “Dadaw” and he rarely missed a birthday, school event or game.

Clif was a great entrepreneur and business man. He founded First Continental Mortgage in 1993. He built a respected company through vision, determination and genuine relationships. Outside of work, he completed thirteen marathons and jogged almost every day of his adult life. He often said, “There are two things you never regret doing: taking a jog and going to church.” He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, golf, fishing, jogging, cooking from scratch, travel, Rice football, and especially time in Galveston, Texas with family and friends. He organized the Crabtree Family Reunion in Galveston, bringing together all four Crabtree siblings and their big wonderful families, creating memories and relationships that will endure for generations.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wilson Crabtree. He is survived by his loving wife, Sally Crabtree; his daughters, Courtney Crabtree O'Neil and Cassie Lysbeth Crabtree; his son-in-law, Christian O'Neil; his grandchildren, Callie O'Neil, Rivers O'Neil, and Clifton Christian O'Neil; his sisters, Judy Underwood Johnson and Brenda Barker; and countless nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Clif will be remembered for his generosity, gift of bringing people together and unwavering love of his family. His legacy will live on through the people he loved, the traditions he created, and the example he set. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7th 2026 in the sanctuary at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, at 11140 Greenbay St. in Houston.

The family extends a special thank you to his caregivers Sandra, Brad, Chris, Jamie and Brian, for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, for those desiring, please make donations to The Rice Athletic Scholarship Fund in memory of Clif Crabtree (https://riceconnect.rice.edu/donation/supports-athleticsa-scholarships) or Tunnel to Towers (T2T.ORG).

Please use the following link for next Tuesday's memorial live stream:https://vimeo.com/event/5104040/357ae34414