Commissioner Mike Crabtree passed away Wednesday, according to the Scioto County Commissioners Office. (Photo courtesy of the Scioto County Commissioners Office/sciotocountyoh.com)
Commissioner Mike Crabtree passed away Wednesday, according to the Scioto County Commissioners Office. (Photo courtesy of the Scioto County Commissioners Office/sciotocountyoh.com)
The Scioto County Commissioners Office announced Wednesday, Dec. 2 the death of longtime commissioner Mike Crabtree.

“It is with a broken heart and profound regret that we announce the passing of our dear friend Scioto County Commissioner Mike Crabtree,” the commissioners office posted on Facebook. “We ask that you please pray for Dianna his wife and their entire family. We will miss our friend.”

The Scioto County Commissioners Office previously posted Nov. 28 that Crabtree “was diagnosed with COVID-19 and is now in a Columbus hospital fighting for his life. He is very critical and in need of a miracle from God. Please join us in praying for Mike, and his doctors and nurses who are fighting to save his life.”

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Crabtree was 71 and was in his “18th year as a Scioto County commissioner.”

Crabtree, a Republican, was re-elected to the commission in November 2020. According to his campaign page, he was “born and raised in Scioto County,” graduating from Northwest High School and serving in the U.S. Army. He had a professional surveyor’s license in both Ohio and Kentucky and was a licensed aircraft pilot.

Crabtree’s community service also included involvement in “the American Legion, DAV, AMVETS, Peebles Masonic Lodge, Chillicothe York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite (Valley of Columbus), Alladin Shrine in Columbus, El Hasa in Ashland, Ky., Eastern Star in Lucasville and the NRA, according to his campaign page.

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement on the passing of Crabtree, whom he called a "good friend:" 

“Jane and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend Mike Crabtree,” Portman said. “As Scioto County Commissioner, Mike was a dedicated public servant who I worked with closely on a lot of important issues impacting southern Ohio, including the opioid epidemic and the Piketon uranium enrichment plant.  

“He will be remembered as a hard worker who always fought for the people of Scioto County. Our thoughts are with his wife Dianna and his entire family during this difficult time.”

The County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) issued the following statement on the passing of Crabtree Wednesday:

“Scioto County lost a true leader today. I have known Mike for nearly seven years, and, throughout our time as fellow commissioners, he became a trusted colleague and a close friend,” said Carl Davis, CCAO president and Monroe County commissioner. “Mike and I served on CCAO’s board together, and I saw firsthand his dedication to his county, and I have always admired his commitment to our association. He was a champion of the idea that counties can achieve and accomplish more by working together for a common goal.

“I will be keeping his wife, Dianne, as well as his family and friends in my prayers, and I encourage others to do the same. May he rest in peace.”

Congressman Brad Wenstrup tweeted the following message Wednesday: “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Scioto County Commissioner Mike Crabtree this morning. Commissioner Crabtree was a dedicated public servant and advocate for Scioto County. His commitment and love for his community and our nation were indisputable. He was a true patriot.

“I will miss working with this fine man and public servant. Monica and I are keeping his wife, Dianna, and his friends and family in our thoughts and prayers.”