White County Legacies: The Larry & Nancy Crabb Family Endowment

Most people have a certain someone in mind when they think about people that had a positive impact on their life. For some, it’s a family friend, a neighbor, a boss. But for many in White County, that person could very likely be either Larry or Nancy Crabb.

Larry and Nancy have been incredibly prominent members of White County since the early 1960’s. From Larry’s extensive career as a teacher and coach of various sports at Twin lakes High School to Nancy’s generosity and care she’s shown to hundreds of kids and families throughout the years, the two have never been known to take a backseat in their community.

Larry and Nancy first met in elementary school over in Brazil, Indiana. The two lived in Brazil for their entire adolescence, graduating from Brazil High School in 1957. Their relationship started there but blossomed as the years progressed.

Larry, more commonly known as “Buster”, attended Indiana State University and pursued his Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education, with a focus on Biology, Health, and Physical Education. During his time there, he played on the school’s baseball team and was fairly successful doing so. During Larry’s studies, Nancy worked in Terre Haute at Columbia Records. Once Larry graduated, the two moved to Monticello in 1961 and have been there ever since.

Larry’s reputation at high school was nothing short of extensive. Alongside his role as a teacher, Larry immediately started as the head football coach and would go on to coach the baseball team with Larry Ebel and the wrestling team with Joel Storm. As coach, he led each of his teams to their respective conferences and championships in victory. In 1991, Larry retired from coaching after his thirty-year career doing so. However, his work at the high school was not finished as he rejoined the athletic department of the high school in 1961 when he was appointed to be the Indian’s Athletic Director. Being Athletic Director was a way for Larry to celebrate all of his years as coach and teacher, working closely with new coaches and mentoring them to be the best they could be. Larry held this position until he retired, after which, he joined Kiwanis and held multiple terms as the President of Monticello’s chapter.

While Larry was busy shaping young minds at the school, Nancy was doing the same in her home. For almost four decades, Nancy held a daycare at her home for children. She tended to so many kids in her lifetime and aided so many families in the process, cementing her legacy as one of the most generous caregivers this county has ever seen.

While the two held different careers, one thing that they were synonymous with was their faith and their commitment to their church. The Crabbs joined the Monticello Christian Church back when they first arrived in Monticello, in 1961. They were incredibly devoted to their faith and the church itself, both serving in multiple eclectic positions, such as Elder, Deacon, Deaconess, and Chairman of the Board. Nancy also would often help and offer services to the church’s daycare programs. Their positions in the church grew their community outreach even more than what was possible in their careers.

Their love for their community was not exclusive, however, as they had a love for their own. The two started a family in 1962 when their first-born daughter, Amy, arrived. Then came son, Mike, in 1964, daughter, Ann, in 1968, and son, Ryan, in 1975. The two were heavily involved in the lives of all their children, and that care passed onto them as they began having families of their own.

Larry’s legacy at the high school touched many students and inspired many to continue in their athletic journeys. Nancy’s legacy as a caregiver touched the lives of many children and aided so many families in the process. The two had very different lives, but they tackled everything together. 

Their devotion to their community, willingness to help others, and love for each other and their family will always live on. The community cherishes their legacies, not only in the lives they have touched, but in the new endowment established at the Community Foundation of White County. The Larry & Nancy Crabb Family Endowment is a permanent fund that will support White County for generations to come. It’s safe to say that Larry and Nancy Crabb will forever be revered names in the community of White County.

To give to the Larry & Nancy Crabb Family Endowment, log onto our website at www.cfwhitecounty.org and select to donate online or mail a check to PO Box 1154 in Monticello. Celebrate the Crabb’s lifelong dedication to serving and help support the community they love so dearly.