Deriek Crouse Obituary

Virginia Tech police officer Deriek Crouse died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011.

Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 8 to Dec. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Deriek Crouse

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908 Entries

Our family still thinks of Officer Crouse and his family often, still with deep sorrow for their loss and appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to our community, as well as Mr. Crouse's service to our country -- his memory stays alive in our hearts and minds.

August 2, 2015

Remembering you....

Michelle Ward

November 26, 2012

There are those who do not forget you as time passes. Thoughts always with you. Be strong.

Kate O

November 22, 2012

We miss you and love you deriek! RIP our guardian angel!!!

September 19, 2012

I Give My Condoloces to the Crouse Family i lost my brother anthony in a ambulance crash where we volunteered for the rescue squad

dillan kennedy

May 21, 2012

MY HEART GOES OUT TO TINA CROUSE AND THE CROUSE FAMILY AFTER LOOSING OFC CROUSE I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE LOOSING SOMEONE I LOST MY BROTHER ANTHONY IN A AMBULANCE CRASH WHERE WE VOLUNTEERED FOR THE RESCUE SQUAD

DILLAN KENNEDY

April 30, 2012

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE CROUSE FAMILY AFTER THE LOS OF OFC.DERIEK

Dillan Kennedy

April 11, 2012

Dear Crouse family, I have two kids at Tech and was so saddened by the news of Officer Crouse. My heart goes out to you, the children and his extended family. Please know that the entire Hokie Nation feels a great sense of loss by this senseless tragedy, and we are humbled by your husband's honor and courage. Bless you in 2012.

Bonnie S

January 1, 2012

I hope something positive came out of Christmas. It wasn't fair to lose your loved one. May the New Year bring you some peace.

Kate O

December 31, 2011

We will keep this candle going on and on for you Deriek for the love you showed for many others and the protection you gave for us..your missed by so many dear.

Phylls and Allen Riffey

December 25, 2011

Tina dear I wanted to also say God is your strength dear open your heart to him and he will keep you so very strong and guide you with help of your best friends..hugs...Keep That Beautiful Smile so Deriek can see it..

Phyllis Riffey

December 25, 2011

Tina and Boys and family our words cant bring Deriek back to you buy know he is always looking down on you and by your side and know he is forever in your heart and if there is anything I can ever be there for you I am only a phone call away and would be there in a moment in time for you if only to comfort you in some way dears.I love you to always and will keep you in my prayers continually and know God will guide you day by day and keep you strong and protect you in everything you all do sending all my love to you and the whole family email me if you need me at any time and want my phone numbers to just chat if you would like to talk any time of the day dears..hugs and kisses Phyllis...

Phyllis Riffey

December 25, 2011

sorry for your loss! It's always hard to lose a loved one. take one day at a time and just know that everyone is sending you and your family prayers. You have your boys to live through now and just know that your hubby will be there with you all the time!

December 25, 2011

Through tears as I read your story, I offer you my meager condolences as you and your family struggle to walk through this difficult time. And you must walk THROUGH it, not around it...and you will come out on the other side still changed but stronger each little moment that passes.

Debbie A

December 25, 2011

As a LE Officer in Virginia, my heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. You will always be a hero.

Alison

December 20, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Apparently God needed to bring one more angel home. God bless your family.

December 19, 2011

Although we do not know the family, our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the family and the family of VT. Our thoughts go out to the Radford community as well.
Kathy and Doug Grimes, Ocean City, Maryland
RU alum

December 18, 2011

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU FAMILY AT THIS TIME!

December 18, 2011

I am sorry for the lost of your husband. We appreciate all that he did and God does also.

December 18, 2011

Thank you for your selfless sacrifice, hard dedicated work. Prayers and condolences to the family, friends and comrades. RIP Brother

Beach Angel

December 17, 2011

Thank you for giving your life to keep the family of VT safe (my daughter included). God bless your family. RIP

Kathy Zulty

December 16, 2011

God bless my brother in blue. May you lay to rest knowing that your service will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the years of service you have provided and all the lives that are saved because of you.

Brian Simmons

December 15, 2011

December 15, 2011

may God offer your family comfort and peace, and I thank Deriek for his service to keeping this country safe. our Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. The Okcetin Family

Faruk Okcetin

December 15, 2011

A Reminiscence

YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.

May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.

Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;

To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.

By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation

Sgt V. X. Sims,I

December 14, 2011

Praying for your peace and comfort during this tough time.

Ferrell/Weddle Family

December 14, 2011

SOsorry this should have never happen thoughts and prayers are with you
SHERRY WILLIAMS

December 14, 2011

So far away from home I'll honor your husband and you during this, another sensless death. It distresses me to see my hometown stuggling with these situations. Please take comfort in knowing that so many of us, near and far, depend on the good-will of men like your husband.

Andrea Colley

December 14, 2011

Tony - Although I never met Deriek, I do know you and Kevin. You have always been close friends to me and my family. We all really hate what you are having to go through during this most difficult of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and your entire family.

Mike King

December 14, 2011

TO THE CROUSE FAMILY MAY GOD BLESS YOU SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

TIFFANY LEMONS

December 14, 2011

To the family:
My condolences to you on your loss. May God grant you peace as you grieve for your loved one.

George Crowder VSP ret.

December 14, 2011

Thinking of you all and in my prayers. May God comfort you all.

Amy Erb

December 14, 2011

Tina,
I'm so very sorry for you loss. You and the boys are in my prayers. Deriek's grandfather and my grandfather Akers were friends. If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask.

Lora Lyons

December 14, 2011

(We offer our deepest thoughts & prayers & wanted to share this poem with you all. We were given this poem when my best friend passed away on my birthday last year & somehow it helped me to rationalize things a little...Our prayers to you all....)

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

"It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Mr. & Mrs. Copeland

December 14, 2011

We would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you all....May GOD keep you and comfort you...

Sheralee Copeland

December 14, 2011

May God be with you and your family.

Sgt Norman Dowdy

December 14, 2011

Tina,May God be with you at this very tragic time. Peace be to you and your children.

December 14, 2011

Please accept my condolences for your loss. We are, all of us, diminished by this tragedy through the loss of a good man who contributed so much to his community.

Patrick Fisher

December 14, 2011

I am very sad by your loss. im praying for your family and kids. Your in my prayers.

Erin Michelle

December 14, 2011

To the Crouse family I did not know Deriek but being who he was, as a person in law inforcement who put his life in danger to make sure his family and others are kept safe everyday deserves the respect from us the people he was protecting. I can't say anything to make the hurt go away and I can't say I know what you are going through but I can say how sorry I am about your loss. May GOD be with you and your family through this time.

Robin Graham

December 14, 2011

I am very saddened by your loss, especially this time of year. I pray that your family will find strength in God's goodness and know that many of us are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Beverly Smiley

December 14, 2011

All the Hokies in Savannah ,Georgia send their sympathy ..... David

December 14, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are so sorry for your loss.

Julia Snider

December 14, 2011

Tina & Dustin,Logan, Hyaden, Tyler, Peyton, Darris and Kevin, Mom & Dad, extended family,

It is with great sorrow in my heart that Donna & I send our deepest condolences to your family. Our prayers will continue to be laid upon the alter of God for you all. We will do our best to always keep Deriek's memories alive in all we do by demonstrating the care he displayed toward others.

We are here if you need us !

Joe & Donna Walker

December 14, 2011

god bless we are praying for you and your family

penny wagner

December 14, 2011

Officer Crouse was a hero to his country and his community. This man served in the military and returned to protect his community. God Speed to Officer Crouse and God Bless his family.

James Begley

December 14, 2011

Tricia Priest

December 14, 2011

Prayers for the Family of this hero.... God Bless

December 14, 2011

John Cernek

December 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Crouse family as they are coping with the loss of Deriek. I met the Crouse family several years ago when I lived in Galax. They are very special people and I know that his family and friends in the Christiansburg Blacksburg area are special people too. He will definately be missed.

Joyce Graves

December 13, 2011

It is always heartbreaking when a police officer is killed
.. His family will be in peoples thoughts for a long time to come. I am sorry for your loss.

Loretta Butta

December 13, 2011

As a wife of a police officer my heart goes out to you and your beautiful family. Stay strong for each other. He is a true hero. I am certain your family has a very special guardian angel watching over them now. God bless you all.

Patti M

December 13, 2011

Faithful Servant

J Saunders

December 13, 2011

Scott Whittaker

December 13, 2011

Dear Crouse Family: I am a Virginia Tech alumna and the mother of Tech senior. I am writing to express my deepest sympathy to you at the loss of your beloved husband and father. I know that mere words cannot comfort you, and that your hearts are broken. Please know that the Hokie Nation grieves with you, because once again we have lost one of our own. We will lift you up in prayer for years and years to come.

Mary Jackson

December 13, 2011

My condolences to to the Crouse family, his brother officers and his friends. He was a police officer doing his duty and paid the highest price. He is in the arms of the Lord now.

John N. Bucciero Commanding Officer Ret. City of Long Branch, NJ PD

John Bucciero

December 13, 2011

May God bless the Crouse family and the Virginia Tech community during this time of loss, tragedy, and sadness. May he give you comfort, peace, and guideance during this time.

Tommy Williams, Jr

December 13, 2011

To Deriek Crouse Family
I know that all of you are going through a really bad time right now. He was my 2nd cousin and I loved him because he was my family.My name is Sandy Holder and Tony is my cousin. Just wanted to send my condolences to the family.

Sandy Holder

December 13, 2011

Tina and Crouse Family,
I am saddened about your loss, Virginia Techs loss and the loss of a brother law enforcement officer. I pray for peace for you all. I attended the funeral services yesterday and was in awe at the attendance. You will get through this, I am certain.

Cpl Kevin Young BCSO

December 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer's Crouse's family and friends. As a former Deputy Sheriff, I feel like we have lost a family member also.

Rhonda Wickline

December 13, 2011

Tina, to you and kids....there will be nothing that anyone will be able to offer in the way of words and expressions to stop the grief and pain. I offer you the only thing that I believe appropiate in these cases and that is the fact of being able to just express to you the facts that Deriek entered a very proud, nobel, and at times difficult career field with the intention of making a difference. I am sure he was an extrodinary officer and he went to work everyday wnating to make a difference. I am proud to be a part of this botherhood and faternity and family that we all belong too as officers and family members. We will be looking forward to supporting and offering every thing we can during your trip to Police Week and the complete and total support you and your family will recieve from all the different members of thuis family and faternity called law enforcement. I wish there was morre to offer and the ability to lift the grief and sorrow that you must all feel during this time and in the coming months and years. Always trust in your faith and have your energy move into the various directions to comfort others that will be here in your place tomorrow. From Martinsburg PD, Martinsburg West Virginia, support for you and the kids.

Glenn F. Macher Jr

December 13, 2011

Tina,
Words cannot begin to convey our sorrow for your loss. Deriek was a wonderful friend, father, and husband and we will miss him terribly. If you or the boys ever need anything, please give us a call.

Gary and Sharon Meadows

December 13, 2011

I offer my condolences to Officer Crouse's family, friends and co-workers. The world becomes a little darker everytime we lose a police officer. May God bless you all.

Lt. Victor Snyder, ret. G.C.R.T.A.P.D.
Cleveland, Ohio

Victor Snyder

December 13, 2011

I express my deepest condolences and sympathy to all Crouse's wife, children, family and Virginia Tech Police on such a senseless event. As an officer, many of us will ask ourselves why we do what we do? We try to put our head around these things and wonder...this is God calling when we read; "Blessed are the peace makers for they will be called children of God" Matthew 5:9. Deriek W. Crouse, thank for serving God, family and your community. May you rest in God's peace.

Capt. Abel Arriazola

December 13, 2011

May God Bless You and Yours. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Crouse family, and Fellow Officers at Virginia Tech. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten!!!!
Cst. Jeremy Ball

Jeremy Ball

December 13, 2011

Tina, Family and Friends, I have no words that can be said that will make this any better. We are so very, very sorry for the loss of Deriek. My heart breaks for each and everyone of you. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. He will always be a Hero. God Bless you all.

Pam, Lizzy, Hannah Hutchens

December 13, 2011

I am so sorry for you loss, this was such a tragic incident. Please know that our thoughts prayers and hearts are with you and the entire family at this awful time. Keep your faith in God may you all find some comfort in knowing that he is now in a better place looking down on you all! With love we will never forget

December 13, 2011

Tina and family,
Stay strong and when things get hard remember the joy you had together

jerry landers

December 13, 2011

He was a special person all the way around. Even though i haven't seen him in 20+ years. When I saw the pictures I just smiled because that is what he made you do. He was a people magnet. He always was making people laugh. Even the ones that he couldn't make laugh he would always get a smile. We are praying for all of the family and friends during this time. He will always be well remembered. Keep the memories alive. He is always with you. He was a great, great guy with great legacy and memories.

Kristen Utt

December 13, 2011

Tina and Family, You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. We give our sincere condolence to the family.

Tate Family

December 13, 2011

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED.THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT CAN BE SAID TO EASE YOUR PAIN AND SORROW. YOUR HUSBAND IS A HERO AND WILL BE HONOR IN A WAY THAT EVERY HERO NEEDS TO HONOR.

JOSEY RICKMAN

December 13, 2011

My prayers are with your family. Your husband and father kept my daughter safe for the past 3 years. He will not be forgotten.

Kanney

December 13, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Bob Fallon

December 13, 2011

I have no magic words to ease the pain of your loss, I only have my heart which shares in your grief. God Bless you Crouse family and Rest In Peace Officer Crouse.

Stacie Cole

December 13, 2011

I am so sorry for you your loss. Deriek was a courageous defender of freedom and public safety. My prayers are with you and your children as he will always be sorely missed as a husband, dad, and policeman.

Keith H

December 13, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother Crouse

Kenny Cordle

December 13, 2011

The Crouse Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your husband and your father was a hero who will not soon be forgotten.

Christy Underwood

December 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Crouse family and for all the Virginia Tech police officers.
Sgt. Geoffrey Merritt
University of Texas San Antonio Police Department

Geoffrey Merritt

December 13, 2011

Tina and family,
There are no words that we can say to ease your pain. But know that we along with the Hokie nation are praying for you and your family. My our Lord carry you through the days ahead! With much love and support!

Steve & Kathy Wright

December 13, 2011

Fellow residents of Blacksburg will never forget your contribution to this quite town and this beautiful country. May you rest in peace.

Fang

December 13, 2011

We are all so saddened by your loss and will keep your family in our prayers.

Suzanne

December 13, 2011

Tina and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you! A heart break is felt all over the nation!
Much love,
Tonia (Tom Gallemore's sister)

Tonia Steed

December 13, 2011

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Brandon

December 13, 2011

From your brothers & sisters in Buffalo NY at the Roswell Park Public Safety Dept. RIP. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Officer Crouse's family and all who knew him.

LT Lou Torres

December 13, 2011

He made the ultimate sacrifice for his community. Thoughts to the family and fellow co-workers. Retired Lt. Col. Illinois State Police K. Yelliott

Kenneth Yelliott

December 13, 2011

May God's Holy Angels surround you and your family and help you all get through this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Retired Captain - Alexandria Police Department (VA)

Peter Crawford

December 13, 2011

I pray that nothing like this will ever happen again

henry linkous

December 13, 2011

RIP Brother in Blue, Your ultimate sacrifice will forever be remembered.
My thoughts and prayers got out to your family in their great time of need.

Patrick S.

December 13, 2011

I'm so very sorry.

Wayne Reynolds MD

December 13, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ptl Warren Mcnutt Knox County Sheriff Office, Knoxville Tn

December 13, 2011

My heart breaks for your loss. May his memory grow stronger with each day and the community never forget his sacrifice!

Shirley Moede

December 13, 2011

My prayers are with you and your family. You have served them all well, your shift is over here, however your shift has just begun serving Saint Michael patrolling Heavens streets, as your uniform here is laid to rest and your badge is retired it will forever more shine brightly as you continue to serve us all. GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. Sgt. David A. Skeins, Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office

David Skeins

December 13, 2011

May god bless you and yours. Your loss will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Sgt Marnach Sr. KHP

Michael Marnach Sr.

December 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Crouse's family, friends, fellow officers at Virginia Tech Campus Police, and Law Enforcement Officers around the world....We'll take over your watch from here!!!! God Bless!!!
Deputy Jennifer A. Spies
WCSO, Virginia

Jennifer Spies

December 13, 2011

my heart goes out to the family. All of u r in my prayers. May god be with u through this rough time. My boyfriend works at virginia tech rock quarry he has been there for almost 20yrs. Im so sorry for ur loss. The Lang Family.

Teresa Lang

December 13, 2011

my sincere condolences go out to all the family and friends.i didnt know know him but have high respect for law enforcement that put thier life on the line as he did.from what ive heard and read he was a great guy.may God comfort you and help you thru this diffucult time .

susan dobbins

December 13, 2011

On behalf of the men and women of the UNC Greensboro Police Department, I offer my deepest condolences to your family. Deriek is part of our campus law enforcement family, and we share in your grief.

Jamie Herring

December 13, 2011

Precious memories of Derek will bring comfort and give family, friends,and fellow law enforcement officers strength in the days ahead. His spirit shall always encourage us to honor him by what he did best--serve and protect. Peace Be With you, Deriek Crouse.

Another Steelers Fan

December 13, 2011

Tina, god bless you and your family. Deriek is my hero and a brother in law enforcement. Thank you for sharing your life story with Deriek, you sounded so happy....cherish those moments forever!!! Rest in peace brother!!!!

Rob Wagner

December 12, 2011

I am so deeply saddened by your loss. Prayers for you all.

Sheila

December 12, 2011

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