Gerald D. Crouse

Gerald David “Jerry” Crouse, 88, of Shade Valley, Pennsylvania, died Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Menno Haven, Chambersburg, where he had resided since September.

Born April 23, 1932 in Shade Valley, Pennsylvania, he was the son of David P. and Marie (Laird )Crouse.

He was united in marriage to Anna Baker on Sept. 18, 1958. She preceded in death December 16, 2015.

Jerry is survived by four children: Jeffrey Crouse of Shade Gap; Teresa (Crouse) Briggs of Chambersburg Perry Crouse of Chambersburg and Shawn Crouse of Shade Gap. He was the grandfather of Luke Crouse, Chambersburg, Troy Crouse, Shade Gap, Lauren (Crouse) John, Hampstead, Maryland and Molly Crouse, Chambersburg, and great-grandfather of six.

He was the last surviving sibling in his family, preceded in death by brothers James, Paul and Donald and sisters Adeline (Crouse) DeVecchis, Mary (Crouse) Moore, Patsy (Crouse) Worthy, and Betty (Crouse) Arnold. An infant brother, Charles Jerome, also preceded in death. 

His life revolved around his church, family, farming and working construction.

Jerry was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shade Gap. He volunteered for many years on the church board and helped with any type of caretaking. He was instrumental in building the St. Mary’s Fellowship Hall in the 1960s. Until his health declined this year, his Sunday morning routine was to be the first to arrive and light the candles in the sanctuary and serve as offering usher.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Catherine of Siena Council 6106. 

Jerry was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving from 1953-1956, which included time in Korea. He was a member of American Legion Post 561, McConnellsburg, PA.

Following the military he worked at his brother’s service station in Chambersburg, where he met his wife, Ann. For the majority of his life, he was a heavy equipment operator with IUOE Local 542. His preferred machine was a dozer. He worked on pipeline, dam-building and road projects across the country. Jerry was known for his ability to get a perfect grade without using grade sticks or survey plans.  He retired from construction in 2004.

When Jerry was not on a dozer, he was on a tractor, working the Crouse farm that has been in the family since the late 1700s.  He also served as a Tell Township supervisor. In recent years, his constant companion was his Golden Retriever, Farmer.

Jerry was the patriarch of his family, a devoted Christian, and a strong, good friend to all. He will be missed.

Due to COVID-19, a private Mass will be held Tuesday, December 1, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Joseph Fleming officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 20896 Croghan Pike, Orbisonia, PA 17243.

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