Stephen Carroll Crabb

Stephen Carroll Crabb entered our lives on January 3, 1945, 7 months before the end of WWII, and left our lives on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 2024. He was the firstborn son and only child of Captain Carroll Crabb and his wife Mildred (Millie) Kitchens Crabb. Born In Oklahoma while his father was still stationed in Europe, he was a child of the greatest generation and the effects of that war were still a part of his life and ours growing up. Though an Okie by birth, his father was stationed first in Abilene and then at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock in after the war. Stephen became an adopted and lifelong Texan.

His mother, Millie and our mother, Dot were sisters. The other siblings, Bud and Mary had no children. So, the three cousins, Carol Kay, Stephen and Dana, who lived in close proximity, grew up as siblings. All holidays were spent at the Crabb’s house where fabulous food, an exquisite Christmas tree ( Uncle Carroll hung each icicle separately) and constant bridge games were the moments we remembered. Marathon contests were the order of the day, with the parents, aunts, uncles, and yes, even our little grandmother, as eager participants. We laughingly said that we were rocked to sleep by the side and sometimes under a bridge table.

Stephen, as an adult, was a savant with cards, poker, and games. He came by it naturally and through osmosis as he grew up.

He will be fondly remembered by all of us. Our family always felt his deep love and caring. He will be especially remembered by his numerous loyal and lifelong friends as a bit of a prankster and the inventive creator of nicknames for everyone. Getting in touch with friends during his latter days was a challenge since we only knew them by their often colorful appellations which were Stephen originals.

After graduating from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Stephen entered the financial world, where his fun side took a serious and deft turn. He worked briefly for Fannie Mae, but his talent, combined with a bit of unique genius, was investing in real estate. He soon left government employ and ventured out on his own to create successful investments for others who trusted him with their money. It was a trust well earned and honored for the rest of his career. The card savant was also an investment savant and he was self employed from his early thirties. He was simply the best at this career that chose him and challenged him for the rest of his work life.

Yet, those of us who knew and loved him recognized that his best decision and finest investment came the moment his “meant to be” soulmate, Linda Facinger, entered his life. Matches made in heaven are rare indeed and theirs was that beautiful gem. “She was the best thing that ever happened to me”, he said. And, she was.

Although she preceded him in death, she never left his side.

He is survived by his first cousin siblings, Carol Kirk and Dana Kirk and their families. And, in a very special way by Linda’s siblings and their families.

Somewhere, there’s a card game beginning or a real estate deal going down, and an exceptional person has just joined the table.

We love you, Stephen, and will always miss you at ours.

A memorial service for Stephen will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.