Obituary of Harold Oliver Crouse , 76

Harold Oliver Crouse, of State College, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 24, 2013, after 76 short but full years.

Born February 28, 1937 in Hanover, he was the son of the late Herbert H. and Lida M. Waybright Crouse. On November 18, 1956, he married the love of his life, Sandra Ann Sterner, and they have modeled what a loving marriage should be for over fifty-six years.

He was the beloved father of two sons, Michael E. Crouse and his wife, Lisa K., of State College and Paul O. Crouse and his wife, Kelly E., of Shrewsbury; the beloved brother of one surviving sister, Phyllis M. Coppersmith and her husband, Charles, of Hanover; and the beloved grandfather of six grandchildren: Sarah, Rebecca, Bethany, Michael, Daniel, and Megan. He was preceded in death by one brother, Herbert H. Crouse, Jr. and one sister, Laura A. Mummert and her husband, Stewart.

He was a 1955 graduate of Eichelberger High School in Hanover and, after graduation, Harold proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years in the USAF Security Service, including an eighteen-month separation from his new bride with the 6901st in Zweibrücken, Germany as a Silent Warrior during the Cold War.

Harold was a master cabinetmaker and started Crouse Custom Cabinets in Hanover in 1971, producing beautiful kitchens, furniture, antique reproductions, and grandfather clocks for over twenty-five years, heirlooms that will grace many homes for generations. In 1996, he and Sandy built their retirement home in State College, where they have thoroughly enjoyed observing wildlife at their Mount Nittany abode, particularly their grandchildren next door.

He faithfully attended Faith Baptist Church in State College, and previously was a member of Calvary Bible Church in Hanover. He trusted Christ as his Savior in 1972 and was then baptized with his family in 1973. He was passionate about his Lord, his country, and his family.

Harold enjoyed many hobbies. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed target shooting, hunting, boating, gardening, and wildlife photography. He tied flies and was an avid fisherman, particularly enjoying fishing with his grandson at their pond. He produced many beautiful woodcarvings, most recently working on a life-size bald eagle, and invested his time teaching others the fine art of carving. He was a lifelong model railroader, and even built a train layout that his grandchildren could ride on in his yard. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, and the Train Collectors Association. Throughout all of his many endeavors, Sandy was his constant partner and best friend, and it is difficult to think of one without the other.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 31, 2013 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

His homegoing service will be on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Faith Baptist Church, 647 Valley Vista Drive, State College at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Drew S. Fenstermacher officiating. Burial will be in Spring Creek Presbyterian Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church Building Fund, 647 Valley Vista Drive, State College, PA, 16803.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.