Harry Thomas Crouse

Surrounded by love, Harry Crouse, age 78, entered eternal life on January 17, 2025. Blessed with a liver-kidney transplant nearly eight years ago at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Harry encouraged others to Donate Life as organ donors. Born in Baltimore, Maryland as the sixth child of Daniel and Truda McCoy Crouse, Harry was the first of his family to graduate from high school (Baltimore’s Southern High then in Federal Hill) and to attend college (Towson University). Valedictorian at his eighth grade graduation ceremony, Harry also sang “No Man is an Island” during his Civic Center graduation from high school. Growing up on Poppleton Street in Pigtown with the iconic B&O Roundhouse yard as his playground, he loved railways and history. From his first jobs at the neighborhood grocery and in purchasing for Bethlehem Steel’s shipbuilding unit to expanding his knowledge of Dandux and other textiles at C.R. Daniels until retiring from Avalon Industries in 2007 with his founding partners, Louis J. Pellegrino and Lorenz “Bud” Happel, Harry’s work ethic, innovation, and standard of excellence mirrored his strength of character and integrity. Vendors, employees, and customers could take his word to the bank. Sisters Helen and Donna Trent became a second set of daughters during their tenures at Avalon, and Harry looked forward to walking Helen down the aisle this spring in Tennessee. Harry’s ‘65 love affair with his beloved Barbara Jean Young Crouse began at church, a cornerstone of his life. Proposing on July 23rd (three weeks after their first date on June 6th), Harry and Barbara married on December 26th and celebrated 59 years together. Honeymooning in Ocean City, Maryland ultimately led them to enjoy their annual retreats to Mystic Point on 42nd Street where both would feast on properly seasoned (Old Bay) seafood before finding the best ice cream! Service to God, generosity to those in need, and commitment to daily devotions marked Harry’s life from age 16. A lay minister, pastor, Sunday School superintendent, bus captain, and teacher in Baltimore and Cincinnati, Harry practiced what he preached, especially when encouraging church-goers to sing “loud and long.” He believed in giving freely as he had freely received blessings from above. He supported the ministries of Shepherd’s Global Classroom, Samaritan’s Purse, and The Salvation Army, as well as tithing to his local church. Before his retirement in 2007 and moving to Cincinnati, travel adventures meant road trips in his red Thunderbird convertible with Barbara by his side. Their time in Hawaii, Williamsburg, The Biltmore, Route 66 tour, and exploration of over 50 national parks brought joy, wonder, and awe of God’s creativity and magnificence. When visiting London, Paris, Normandy, and Giverny, Harry appreciated the connections to art and history, not knowing yet of his family ancestry ties to Boudicca. As a lifelong learner, he enjoyed reading biographies and books on military history, but especially theological books about holiness and the Methodist tradition. His teaching talents benefited students who took classes on business and entrepreneurship at God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, where he also served as the facilities director for a short time after he retired to Ohio. His beloved wife Barbara and their three children survive this loss: Michael and Renay Suckow Crouse of Hubbard, Ohio; Tim and Bethany Crouse Dentler of Medina, Ohio; and Michael and Rebecca Crouse Kelley of Cincinnati, Ohio. Harry’s four grandchildren miss their PopPop: Joshua and Nathan Crouse and Alexander and Adam Kelley. Harry was preceded in death by his sister, Inez Crouse Clevenger and brother-in-law, Alvie Ron Clevenger; brothers, Mancil Crouse, Frank Crouse, Bobby Crouse, Charles Crouse, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 11:00 - 1:00 pm at New Life Community Church (638 Old State Rte 74, Cincinnati, OH 45244), followed by the funeral service at 1:00 pm. A committal service will take place at Mount Moriah Cemetery after the funeral. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Harry Crouse.

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Harry Thomas Crouse

March 5, 1946 - January 17, 2025