Realtor Eddie Crabb dies at age 88

Eddie M. Crabb, an area Realtor with deep Ozarks roots, died Sept. 21 in Springfield. A memorial service was held on Sept. 27.

According to his obituary on GormanScharpf.com, Crabb was born on March 29, 1936, in Stone County, where he worked on his family farm and helped at his family’s Cross Roads General Store.

After graduating from Galena High School and serving in the United States Marine Corps, he became an entrepreneur and was involved in a number of Springfield restaurants, including the popular Shakey’s Pizza Parlor on south Glenstone. Most of his professional life was spent in the real estate business, and he worked for many years as a Realtor at Murney Associates, Realtors.

In a Facebook post dated July 23, local preservation expert Richard Crabtree recalled Shakey’s history in Springfield on his Facebook page Springfield, Missouri History, Landmarks & Vintage History:

“Shakey's opened here in Springfield at 765 South Glenstone in the Rountree Neighborhood on June 1st 1965. It was managed by Bob Tucker who lived at 620 East Catalpa in Phelps Grove. By about 1974/75 two of my colleagues at Murney Realtors – Eddie Crabb (father) and Michael Crabb (son), acquired the restaurant.”

He wrote that the duo about the same time opened a second location at 500 S. National Ave., the previous home of Panera Bread, which is now empty.

There was often live music at the restaurant, wrote Crabtree, who added, “A couple of youngsters, Nick Sibley and Ruell Chappell,” could be seen playing here on occasion.

Crabtree said around 1984, the Crabbs broke from the Shakey’s franchise and started Pizzaro's Pizza, which lasted into the early 2000s.

According to his obituary, Crabb married Carol Sue Walton in 1963. “They shared a wonderful life, spending many weekends boating at Table Rock Lake. Eddie and Carol loved traveling together and spending time with friends and family.” the obituary reads.

Eddie is survived by his son Michael Crabb and daughter Jana Crabb, his brother Bill Crabb and wife Jane. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, who died in 2014, and by parents Walter and Lenna, sister Norma Lee Crabb and brother Jack Dennis Crabb, according to the obituary.