Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Richard P. Crouse, 85, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 23, 2025 at The Gardens of St. Francis. Richard was born on May 28, 1939 in Oregon, Ohio to Chester and Marian (Harder) Crouse.
He was a 1957 graduate of Clay High School and continued his education at the University of Toledo, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. On June 25, 1960 Richard married his true love, Lola Coutcher. He worked at Toledo Edison throughout his career, retiring in 1993 as Senior Vice President of Fossil Operations.
Richard was a man of deep passion, quiet generosity, and unwavering loyalty—to his family, his faith, and the things he loved most. An avid outdoors man, he found joy in duck hunting and fishing and spent countless days on the golf course. He also bowled for many years, achieving the rare feat of a perfect 300 game in 1985. A proud alumnus of the University of Toledo, he was named among the Distinguished Alumni of the College of Engineering in 1999. He was also a devoted supporter of Rocket Athletics. He and his wife rarely missed a game, holding season tickets to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and cheering passionately for the football team. His faith was central to his life. He served on the finance committee at First St. John Lutheran Church and sang in the choir there for over 50 years. Known for his quick wit and warm sense of humor, he brought laughter wherever he went. Above all, his greatest joy came from his family—never missing a wrestling tournament or softball game, always on the sidelines, proud and present. His legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty lives on in all who had the honor of knowing him.
The family would like to thank everyone who visited Richard or sent cards and gifts of encouragement during his illness. They also thank the staff at The Gardens of St. Francis who took such good care of him throughout the months he lived there.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 64 years, Lola Crouse; daughters, Toni (Dave) Wilbarger and Laurie Crouse; grandchildren, Cara (Tanner) Engle and Kevin (Mackenzie) Witt; great-grandchildren, Harper and Henry Engle and Blaire Witt; nephews, Dave and Matt (Erin) Crouse, Nick and Eric (Kathy) Coutcher; and niece, Jessie (Harry) Moyer.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill; infant sister, Barbara; great-grandson, Aiden; and nephew, John.
Services were conducted on an earlier date. Expressions of sympathy in Richard’s name may be directed to First St. John Lutheran Church or the University of Toledo Foundation.
