Richard "Dick" Max Crouse passed away at his residence, with family by his side on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

He was born in Muncie, IN on April 15, 1938 to Wilber and Nellie Crouse. He grew up in Muncie in his earlier years before moving to Matthews, Indiana where he spent his teenage years. There he lived with his siblings, Russell, Earl, and Harold Crouse, as well as his nephews, Denny and "Russy" Crouse; whom he considered to be honorary brothers. In early 1955, he met Donna "Susie" Simmerman in Hartford City.

On May 31, 1955 he enlisted into the United States Army. He served during the Cold War and was deployed overseas, primarily throughout Germany. Dick served in the 3rd Armored Division, known as Spearhead. He was honorably discharged in May of 1958.  Upon his return home, he reunited with Susie, who he had maintained contact with while he was deployed.

On July 5, 1959 Dick and Susie were married. Together they had two daughters, Kim (Dave) Fear, and Lynn (Bill) Whitesell. They enjoyed traveling as well as camping, and saw several countries and most of the United States together over the years. They especially loved Colorado and the mountains. Dick and Susie were married in total for 64 years up until Susie's passing in 2024.

For employment, Dick spent time working at the feed mill as well as a chair upholstery shop, before spending most of his working years at Dana Corporation in Marion, IN before retiring.

Dick was known for being extremely patriotic and had a high regard for those serving in the military. In 2019 he was able to travel on the Northeast Indiana Honor Flight with his daughter, Kim, serving as his guardian. He often shared stories of that trip and it being one of the most memorable of his lifetime. He encouraged any and all other veterans he knew to sign up as well. He was a 25-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a prior member of the American Legion Post 159.

Dick spent several years operating "Dick's Lock Shop" with his daughter, Lynn. He also enjoyed woodworking and building birdhouses or other hobby projects for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed riding his bike, the motorcycle he had for a short time, above anything else, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. In his recent days he shared, "I've been blessed to see a lot of places in this world, but there's really nowhere like being home with family."

He leaves behind his two children, grandchildren: Jennifier Dawson, Ashlee (Derrick) Rutledge, Andy (Abby) Fear, Josh (Brittany) Fear, Kristy (Ryan) Riggs; great-grandchildren: Holly (Jake) Ramey, Matthew Smith, Melody Garland, Carson Fear, Dallas Rutledge, Dillon Rutledge, Rylee Riggs, Harper Fear, and Charli Fear; great-great grandchildren: Sophia and Cameron Ramey, as well as several other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Russell, Earl, Harold, Denny, and Russy Crouse.

Friends and Family may gather to share memories of Richard at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home located at 109 W. Windsor St. Montpelier, IN. on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Kevin Lex officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory in Muncie, IN. with military rites conducted by the US Army and the Millard Brown American Legion Post # 156.

Memorial Contributions can be directed to Northeast Indiana Honor Flight, PO Box 5, Huntertown, IN 46748.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, Montpelier, IN.