February 12, 1970 - January 19, 2024
Tony "The Banjo Man" Crabtree, aged 53, strummed his final note on January 19, 2024, in Sacramento, California. Born on February 12, 1970, in Walnut Creek, California, Tony lived a life as vibrant and animated as his banjo melodies.
Known for his fiery spirit—and not just because he spun fire in his leisure—Tony was a master of the art of joy. He sketched out a life filled with laughter, doodling his way into the hearts of his family and friends with a quick wit that was as sharp as his pencil.
Tony leaves behind a legacy of love and a band of relatives: his brother James who shared many a riff with him; daughters Kathryn and Amanda, who were his greatest fans; and his ensemble of step-daughters Kayla, Brianna, Vanessa, and Tonya, who added harmony to his life. As well as brother and father, he was “Papa Mike” to his 7 grandchildren Khaleo, Tiana, Kia, Dejon, Ny’ommi, Za’Niyla and Za’liyah. “Preceding him in the great gig in the sky were his father Irvin Crabtree, mother Constance Crabtree, and daughter Jessica Crabtree, who undoubtedly are saving him a seat on the heavenly stage.
A life so well-played deserves an encore, and Tony's will be at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lodi, CA. The curtain call will be at 1pm on February 20th, where friends and family can gather to applaud a life lived to the fullest.
So, let's not say goodbye, but rather, 'until the next set,' to a man whose life was a symphony of love, laughter, and a touch of mischief. Curtain up, Tony, for your final bow.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Crabtree family.