Samuel E. Crouch,
June 23, 2006

Samuel E. Crouch, Sr., age 83 of 5040 Hwy. 6, Maywood, Missouri died Friday, June 23, 2006 at 6:41 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.

He was born on July 7, 1922 in Quincy, Illinois the son of Claude and Emma Smith Crouch. On August 8, 1947 he married Thelma Shortridge in Springfield, IL. She survives.

He began his career with Gardner Denver in 1946. He was 100% devoted to his work, and retired as a general foreman in 1985. Sam enjoyed keeping himself busy. He was a carpenter all of his life, and he built three houses within his lifetime. He was a "gentleman farmer", raising beef cattle solely for his own enjoyment. Sam also spent a lot of time tinkering and working on cars and tractors. He also enjoyed spending his Sundays at the river after church. Sam was a past Sunday School Superintendent for Grandview Baptist Church, and he was active in Boy Scouts of America. He most recently attended Community Baptist Church in Emden, MO.

In addition to his wife, survivors include six children: Sandra Surface and her husband, Darrell of Kiowa, KS; Richard Crouch Brown of Corsicana, TX; Samuel E. Crouch, Jr. and his wife, Becky of Maywood, MO; Mark D. Crouch and his wife, Deborah of Mexico, MO; Debra Bridgman and her husband, Greg of Ewing, MO; and Gary W. Crouch, Sr. and his wife, T of New Smyrna, FL; 22 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dallas Crouch and his wife, Diane of Las Vegas, NV; two sisters: Fern Tipton of Barry, IL; and Dorothy Wilde of Rock Island, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jesse; and two sisters: Myrtle Holtschlag and Lucille Thomas.

Services will be Thursday, June 29, 2006, 10:00 a.m. in Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Pastor Glenn Yoder officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 28, 4-7 p.m. Burial will be in Quincy Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or Shriners' Hospitals for Children.

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