Van A. Crouter

VAN A. CROUTER Long-time resident of Colton, Grand Terrace, and later Banning, died on September 18, 2009 at the age of 94. He was born in Nebraska and educated there and in Iowa, settling in California in 1933. He and his late wife, Mae J. Crouter, were the parents of Richard, Nola and William. Van later married Dolores Acosta and they welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As an Industrial Electrical Engineer, Van was recruited during WWII to build airports and was assigned a secret project involving communications. In 1945 he established Crouter Electric in Colton. Other ventures included the manufacture of frozen pizzas for supermarkets as LaVera Pizza Co., and as a licensed pilot, he owned Colton Air Park, a commuter airport. A charter member of Colton's Immaculate Conception Parish, he was instrumental in the construction and later remodeling of the LaCadena Avenue church building as well as the Knights of Columbus Hall on West C Street. He also assisted in forming Knights of Columbus Chapter # 4017 and later served as Chairman of the Father Michael Keane Memorial Fund. Van served as chairman for Colton's REDCO (redevelopment), was on the Colton Civil Service Commission, and on the 1964 San Bernardino County Grand Jury. President and board of directors were positions he attained in National Electrical Contractors Assn, Southern Sierras Chapter. His over 50 years with Kiwanis Club International in Colton and Banning included terms as president and treasurer of the Colton club and election to Lt. Governor of Kiwanis CAL/NEV/HA (HI) District #6, which during his term divided, forming a new District #36. Van and his wife, Dolores, enjoyed travel by motorhome with West Coast Barth Rangers and for many summers, spent time assisting with management of Grove's Klutina River King Salmon Charters & Campground in Copper Center, Alaska. Nebraska pheasant and wild turkey hunting were enjoyed every Fall season. Into his 90's he was still doing electrical consulting for several companies as well as for Banning Sun Lakes Country Club's auditorium stage lighting with the help of the performing clubs. Along with friends and relatives, those left to cherish Van's memory are:His siblings: Lloyd & Elizabeth and Jim & Diana Taylor, Verna Dennon, Betty Tjardes and families; Wife, Dolores and siblings: Philip & Nesu and Louis & Judy Galvez, Carole & Paul Grisham, Linda & Dave Vogel and families; Children: Richard & Marge Crouter, Nola Lemmons, William Crouter, Carmel Acosta-Cooper, Phillip & Nancy and Gerald & Danean Acosta, and Flori Acosta; Grandchildren: Chris & Cindy Sue, Garret & Cindy Rae Heryford; Sean & Rachel Ashford; Jenifer & Gregory Johnson, Ronald Farmer, Garrison & Alexandra Cooper, Aaron, Andrew & Rachel Acosta, Kalina & Brandon Moore and Jake Ramirez, Angela & Matthew Acosta and Kenneth & Ryan Ihrig; Great Grandchildren: Lauren, Ryan, Jessica, Sarah, Oliver, Eleanor, Dylan, Fallon and Damien. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, October 4th at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton. Donations may be made, in memory of Van A. Crouter, to a favorite charity, or to Redlands Community Hospital Hospice Program, PO Box 3391 Redlands 92373, or California Council of Alzheimer's Assn., 921 Eleventh St. #601, Sacramento CA 95814. Service entrusted to:MONTECITO MORTUARY AND MEMORIAL PARK Colton, CA (909) 825-3024Please visit us at www.MeM.com