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Order no: 19066376
Publication: Odessa American
Start Date: 08/08/2026
Expires: 08/08/2026

Pamela Jean Curtis Crabtree Morphew MIDLAND Pamela Jean Crabtree Morphew passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026. She was born on August 10, 1956 in Levelland, Texas to Bob & Vera Crabtree. She was a very thoughtful and friendly person to the very end. Her younger years were those of a typical oilfield child as from early on, her dad was transferred to various small towns in the Permian Basin. As a young child, she typically played with friends from her neighborhood and all of her many cousins and other family members. She enjoyed a good and secure upbringing. By the time she became an adolescent, she moved to Odessa, Texas. She attended Nimitz Junior High and Permian High School and was part of the Mighty Mojo Band. These were some very good years for the Panthers as they were a powerhouse in 5A Football. She lived in the same house until her graduation from Texas Tech University in 1980 with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering In 1977 at Texas Tech, Pam met Chris Morphew while attending classes they shared in the Petroleum Engineering Department. They became inseparable, which led to their eventual marriage on March 15, 1980. They settled in Midland, Texas and have remained here. Pam held various jobs early in her career working at Amoco, the consulting firm of Sipes, Williamson & Aycock, and the Old Midland National Bank as a loan officer. While working at the bank, she met many of her longtime friends that she "banked" in the oil patch. Eventually, she left the bank and went to work with her husband, running his office at Drilmore, Inc. and then Dakota Resources, Inc. As a partner, she worked tirelessly in these family - oriented businesses for the rest of her life. Her contribution was very instrumental in all of the blessings that her family has enjoyed over the years. She enjoyed pleasing her friends and family. Early on in their marriage, for many years, she hosted a magical Christmas party at their house. She always insisted on preparing and serving the food, never once using a caterer. All of her parties were well attended and as many as a hundred guests came to spread holiday cheer. Pam was also civically minded and served on many boards in the city and on her church board, The Christian Church of Midland. Pam treasured her family and with her husband by her side, she was an amazing Mother of four beautiful children and five grandchildren with another on the way. She was an outstanding seamstress and made many of her husband's shirts in their early marriage as well as dresses and all types of clothing for her children. She also loved to craft and quilt, making memory books and memory quilts as often as her busy schedule allowed. All four of their children were very active in school and sports and Pam undoubtedly drove over a million miles taking them to, and attending every event her children endeavored in. She was a Good and Faithful Servant to God, her husband, and her children. Pam is survived in death by her precious mother, Vera Crabtree, 97, her loving husband, Chris Morphew, her amazing children: Blake Andrew Morphew, 40, and his wife Morgan Morphew of Midland, TX., Emilie Nicole Colwell, 36, and her husband Nathan Colwell of Lubbock, TX, Jessica Katelyn Caltharp, 34, and her husband Austin Caltharp of Salado, TX., Amanda Paige Morphew, 33, of Midland, TX., her beautiful grandchildren Audrey, Braelynn, Linley, Hudson, Beckham and Calvin whose greatest title for her was simply 'Grams', and also numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Her Bright Light, Beautiful Smile, and Calming Presence will be missed forever here on this earth. The viewing will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 6 - 8 pm at Nalley - Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. The Services will be held on Monday, August 10th at the Christian Church of Midland beginning at 10:00 a.m. At the end of the service, we will leave the sanctuary and drive to Sunset Memorial Gardens in East Odessa for a graveside service. Pam loved hosting her family and friends at their homes in Midland, Ruidoso, and Fredericksburg where many fond memories were made...Magical Christmas's, Happy Thanksgivings, and carefree summer parties. She was a true community servant who brought her management skills and engineering acumen to every task. Pam loved her life fully and she enjoyed helping others do the same. With that in mind, August 10th is Pam's 70th birthday and so we are going to depart from the gravesite and return to the Christian Church of Midland for a Celebration of Life, honoring and remembering one of the most beautiful souls this earth has ever known. Lunch and Birthday Cake will be served so please come Celebrate Pam's life with us. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley - Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com .


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