Business Agents

Jerry Dale Crabtree, Jr. joined Pipeliners Local Union 798 in 1986. He is very proud to be a third-generation union member following in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late A.D. “Buddy” Crabtree, and his father, Jerry Dale Crabtree, Sr.

He has had the pleasure of serving this Local in multiple capacities: Welder Helper, Journeyman Welder, Job Steward, Welder Foreman, and Mechanized Welding Technician. Thanks to the generosity of fellow members, he was elected as Inside Guard in 2014 and a U.A. delegate in 2011, 2016, and 2021. He also served as UA Sergeant of Arms in 2016. Since his appointment in 2017, Dale has proudly and humbly served as Business Agent of the southeast region.

Dale has been married to Shawna Crabtree since 1988. Together they have three children, Autumn Brooke Crabtree (Razian), August DeLainey Crabtree (Huff), and Jerry Dale Crabtree III. They also have seven grandchildren. He is a resident of Fouke, Arkansas. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, spoiling his grandkids, hunting, fishing, and restoring old vehicles.

 918.991.5341

 jdcrabtreejr@local798.org

Joe W. Gaines proudly joined Pipeliners Local Union 798 in 2000. He began working in the pipeline industry at the age of 16 and has since held positions including Welder Helper, Journeyman Welder, Welder Foreman, and Job Steward. Joe married his wife, Stephanie, in 1999.

 918.237.3573

joe@local798.org

Todd Hartle has been a proud member of Pipeliners Local Union 798 since 1997. He changed his classification from Welder Helper to Journeyman Welder in 1999. Since then, Todd has worked as a Journeyman Welder, Welder Foreman, Job Steward, and was appointed Business Agent in 2022. He was elected as a delegate for the 40th and 41st UA Conventions.

Todd has been married to his wife, Kim, since 1999. Together, they have three daughters and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild in 2026. Todd and Kim reside in Rose Bud, Arkansas. “It is an honor to serve the members of Pipeliners Local Union 798.”

 918.230.1884

todd@local798.org

Justin Head has been a proud member of Pipeliners Local Union 798 since his initiation as a Welder Helper in 2002. In 2005, he changed his classification to Journeyman Welder. Justin has worked as a Journeyman Welder, Welder Foreman, Job Steward, and Mechanized Welding Technician. He was also elected as a delegate for the 40th and 41st UA Conventions. Justin resides in Wyoming with his wife, Jaime Head, and their four children, Wyatt, Paityn, Bowen, and Cyrus. He humbly accepts the honor of working for the best pipeliners in the world and will continue to work to ensure this local succeeds well into the future.

 918.398.3380

 jhead@local798.org

Charlie Thomas is a third-generation, 25-year member of Pipeliners Local Union 798. He began his career working as a Welder Helper and broke out welding in 2007. Throughout his career, he has worked as a Welder Helper, Journeyman Welder, Technician, Job Steward, and Welder Foreman.

Charlie is originally from Clendenin, West Virginia, but currently resides in Elkview, West Virginia. He married his wife Callie in 2010, and they have three sons: Carter, 10, Callahan, 7, and Crew, 3. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and supporting his children in their extracurricular activities. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the membership. This Local Union has meant so much to my family and community”   

918.313.5987

 cthomas@local798.org

Joseph Torres has been a dedicated member since 2007. He began his journey as a Welder Helper before becoming a Journeyman Welder in 2010. In 2016, he embraced the opportunity to serve his union as a Job Steward, a role he has carried out with pride and commitment.

In 2021, Joseph was honored to be nominated as a delegate for the 40th UA Convention. His fellow members recognized him and elected him as Inside Guard in 2022. In this position, he ensured that meetings were conducted with structure and integrity. His dedication to the contract and Local 798 members led to his appointment as Business Agent in April 2025.

Joseph resides in Ohio with his wife, Stevie, and their children. He cherishes the time spent hunting with his kids and supporting them in their athletic endeavors.

With a strong desire to engage younger members in the union, Joseph believes in the importance of preparing the next generation. He passionately advocates for their education and investment, understanding that our future success relies on their involvement. “I am committed to serving our members. Being a Business Agent for this great local is truly an honor. Together, we can build a better tomorrow and a stronger 798.”

 918.425.8321

joseph@local798.org

Charles Yates, Jr., is a second-generation member of Pipeliners Local Union 798 who has been in good standing since his initiation on May 20, 1981. He joined Local 798 as a Welder Helper and changed his classification to Journeyman Welder in 1989. In 2003, he began to represent the membership on the ROW as a Job Steward. In 2013, he was elected to serve as an officer on the Executive Board to uphold the constitution and bylaws, a position he held until his appointment as Business Agent covering Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Charles has also been elected to serve as a UA delegate for the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st UA General Conventions.

Charles resides in Southeast Ohio with his wife, Stephanie, on their farm, along with two dogs and occasional visits from their six grandchildren. He would like to extend his sincerest appreciation to the membership for all the support and encouragement. “I am humbled to have been given such an opportunity and honored to be an advocate for both union labor and 798’s tradition of excellence. I am proud to stand with my Brothers and Sisters, UNION STRONG TOGETHER.”

 918.600.5097

 charles@local798.org