Festive Homestyle Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 5 cups milk
• 3 large potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1, 8 ounce package imitation king crab, flakes or chunks