Larry E. Crouch

Larry E. Crouch, age 80, of Breese, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. Born on September 5, 1945, in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the cherished fourth son of Thomas W. Crouch and Ruth Savannah (Hopkins) Crouch. Larry lived a remarkable life marked by love, laughter, and dedication to family and country.

In the early 1950s, Larry's family relocated from Huntersville, North Carolina, to the Sorento area of Illinois, where he began his education in several one-room schoolhouses. The family later moved to Greenville, where Larry graduated from Greenville High School in 1964. In June 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army. Larry served honorably in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, returning home with pride and a deep appreciation for his country.

Larry held various jobs throughout his life, starting with body shops alongside his brothers before he moved on to serve in the corrections division of the Bond County Sheriff’s Department. In 1991, he became a road deputy and served in that role until 1993, after which he transitioned to a support position at Premier Services, Co. with Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of North America in Normal, Illinois for ten years. They continued living in Normal for almost thirty years before moving to Arizona to be closer to their son, Steven. The economy caused them to move back to Illinois, where they chose to be closer to family in Breese and Greenville.

In his personal life, he married Margaret Carter in 1964 and welcomed a daughter, Peggy, before they eventually divorced. After his military service, he rejoined the workforce at Basler Electric in Highland, where he met his future wife, Karen Voss. Larry and Karen were united in marriage on October 19, 1974, and together they welcomed a son, Steven.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ruth Crouch; brothers and sister-in-law, Bill, Paul, and Monnie, and John Crouch; mother and father-in-law, Bertha and Vincent Voss; and brother-in-law, Douglas Voss, and sister-in-law, Carol Voss.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Karen Crouch; their son, Steven Crouch; their daughter, Peggy Crouch; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, who shared her birthday with Larry. He also leaves behind his loving brothers: Mick (Carolyn) Crouch, and Alvin (Lisa) Crouch; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Sandy Crouch, Cheryl Crouch, and Gloria Crouch Thomas; Michael Voss, Diane Fewell, Ronnie (Diane) Voss, Debi Will, Darlene (Barry) May, Colleen (Jim) Lozier, Maurice "Mo" (Kae) Voss, Connie (Kevin) Heimann, Sr., Lisa (Billie) Gabriel, Daryl Voss, Cheri (Mike) Horstmann, and Stacey (Mark) Anders, along with numerous nieces and nephews, including one special niece, Sharlene Anders, who lovingly helped care for him, and his nephew, Kevin Heimann Jr., who also shared his birthday, and friend, Ashlynn Taylor, who accompanied Shar, and was a great entertainment to Larry in his final month.

In his later years, Larry faced health challenges with grace and dignity. Throughout his life, he was known for his great sense of humor and unwavering willingness to help others. We thank God for all the years we had with him; his presence brought joy and warmth to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. Remains will be buried at a future date at Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Thursday, December 18, 2025, followed by a memorial service starting at noon at Nordike Funeral Home in Breese. Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home, with the Rev. Darryl Bolen officiating. Lunch will follow at the Breese American Legion.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family asks that memorials be made in memory of Larry to the Alzheimer's Association, Wounded Warriors, or Tunnel to Towers. They can be made using the links provided, or memorials may also be sent to Nordike Funeral Home, 150 North Clinton Street, Breese, IL 62230.