Charles Crouse (Veteran)

Charles E. Crouse, 73, Ashland, Mo., passed away Monday, March 30, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center. Chas. was born on March 18, 1937, in Coldwater, Kansas during one of those terrible dust storms. He was a blue baby and they had to dunk him in ice water in order to bring him to life and then his lungs they did scream out. His father was Edwin Stewart Crouse and his mother was Hazel Marie Thompson Crouse. Chas. was married to JoAnn A. Christian of Jefferson City, Missouri on February 12, 1977. She survives him at their home in Ashland. Other survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Dewayne and Audra Crouse of Wichita, Kansas; a granddaughter, Allison N. Crouse of Wichita, Kansas; a sister, Mabel Marie Conn of North Carolina; brother-in-laws, John Christian with wife Evelyn of Jefferson City, Missouri, Kevin Christian with wife Betty of Seward, Alaska and Bruce Christian of Alexandria, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Hazel Crouse; a brother in law, Dave Conn; and a niece, Erin Conn. Chas. attended school in Coldwater and graduated from Coldwater High School in May of 1955. During his high school years, he worked as a hired farm hand. He enlisted in the US Army in 1956. During his stay in Germany, he became a member of the Masonic Fraternity. After his tour of duty, he returned to work on the farm of Harold McKinney. One of his favorite positions was when he was a Kansas State Highway Patrol Officer. He worked in law enforcement in the state of Kansas for a little over 10 years. In the fall of 1973, he packed up his pickup and headed for Alaska. He worked as a heavy equipment operator in building the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, after which he went to work on the North Slope (where the oil started). He took an early retirement from Atlantic Richfield in October of 1994. He retired to mid Missouri, where he worked for several local contractors before being injured in a truck accident in June of 2004. Chas. just recenty received his 50 year membership plaque from the Masonic Fraternity, member of the Comanche Lodge # 295 of Coldwater, Kansas. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He loved spending time with his family. He leaves a big void in all our lives. He was always there to help when help was needed. He took pleasure in riding around mowing the large lot and listening to music while he mowing. He thought John Wayne would have made a great president. He loved life and tried to live it to its fullest. Services will be held Monday, April 5, at Ashland Christian Church. Visitation will be at 5 p.m. and memorial service at 6 p.m. Dress brightly for it is a celebration of his life and he would want everyone to be joyful. His body was cremated. Arrangements are under the direction of Robinson Funeral Home, Ashland.