Biography

Mr. Crapster is a partner in the firm and works on cases throughout the state and actively handles cases in Texas as well. After graduating from SMU Law School in 1976, he practiced his entire career at the Texas law firm of Strasburger & Price, and was one of the managing partners there when he and Kathe, his wife of 40 years, decided to move to Oklahoma in early 2009. They had bought a ranch near McAlester over 20 years ago, and always loved Oklahoma, even while living in Dallas. In 2001, Gary met Buddy Neal when they were both being honored as members of the American College of Trial Lawyers at the national meeting in New Orleans. Their common Oklahoma bond was a catalyst that ultimately led to the firm hiring Gary’s son when he graduated in 2008. Not long thereafter, Gary and Kathe decided to take up the long-standing suggestion of Gil Steidley and Buddy Neal that they move closer to the ranch so Gary could practice law with his son during his most formative years. Their daughter remained with her husband in Texas, and practices with the large Dallas law firm of Thompson & Knight, but she still loves the trip across the Red River to spend time with them at the ranch.

Coming to Oklahoma did not slow Gary’s pace; the move instead energized him beyond his expectations. Devoting more time to the pure practice of law than ever, he strives to hone his skills, including computer legal research and litigation tools, procedure, evidence, and oral advocacy. As throughout his career, he handles an extremely wide variety of civil and commercial litigation. His wife Kathe is never bored while he is working, because she has always loved helping children, and works more than full time as an elementary school counselor. In what time is left while not devoting their best efforts to their professions or checking on things at the ranch, Gary and Kathe assist with local charitable organizations near their home, particularly for needy families with children. Gary also still does pro bono work, contributes to pro bono charities of the Dallas Bar Association, and maintains friendships with attorneys and judges there which were developed over a lifetime.