Richard Allen Crouse

Richard Allen Crouse, age 80, of Centralia, Illinois, peacefully passed away at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.  He was born on December 5, 1935 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, the son of George Miller and Jennie (Fransen) Crouse.  He married Karen Sue Dueker on June 27, 1970 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 45 years,  Mr. Crouse is survived by his son; Andrew Christian Crouse of Bolingbrook, Illinois, daughter; Katherine Craney and husband David of Graniteville, South Carolina, 3 grandchildren; Megan Craney, Brian Craney and Charles Craney, brother; Harold Crouse and wife Joanne of Rock Island, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Crouse was preceded in death by his parents and brother; Donald Crouse.

Mr. Crouse was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Illinois, where he was past secretary of the congregation and served in various capacities in the Southern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  He was also a high school youth counselor for the church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country from September 22, 1958 until he was discharged as Specialist 4th Grade on September 21, 1960.  He was an avid golfer who played at Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval, Illinois, where he once served as secretary of the Tuesday Night Men’s League.  He hit a Hole-In-One on the 12th hole in 2001. Mr. Crouse was a board member and past president of the Keep Centralia Beautiful-Clean and Green.  He was treasurer of the Thyme to Garden Club.  He and his wife Karen were avid world travelers.

Mr. Crouse moved to Centralia in 1965 when he received a call to teach at Trinity Lutheran School.  He taught there for 36 years, in 5th and 6th grades and departmental math.  He held the position of coach and athletic director for the boys baseball teams, girls softball teams, track and field, girls volleyball and boys and girls basketball teams.  Mr. Crouse was a founding member of the Little Six Athletic Conference. He was on the board of directors of the Lutheran Sports Association of Illinois for 20 years.  In honor of Mr. Crouse's dedication to the school and athletic department, Trinity Lutheran School's gymnasium was named Crouse Gymnasium.  He received his Master of Science in Education Degree from Southern Illinois University-Cardondale and Bachelor of Arts in Education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.  He attended St. John's Junior College in Winfield, Kansas, where he played basketball for two years and graduated with the Rock Island High School's Class of 1953.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church  in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Mark Girardin and Pastor Perry Schefelker officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois with military rites accorded by the Centralia American Legion Post # 446 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post # 2055.  Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Crouse's memory to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran School in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Crouse's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.  

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