John O. Crouse

1935 - 2020

John O. Crouse

Surrounded by family, John O. Crouse, Retired Judge, passed away peacefully in his home on November 10, 2020. He was born November 27, 1935 in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of the late John E. Crouse and Ruth Crouse (nee Smith). He married Madeleine Crouse (nee Pence) on December 22, 1958, in Hillsboro, Ohio.

John graduated from Bexley High School in Columbus, Ohio. He received his B.S. from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati School of Law.

John had a long and diverse law career. He was appointed as Hillsboro City Solicitor from 1963-1965. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney from 1965-1976, at which time, he represented Highland County in arguments before the United States Supreme Court. He was elected Municipal Court Judge from 1988-1994 and Probate-Juvenile Court Judge from 1994-1997. In 1997, Judge Crouse was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to serve as a Visiting Judge in the Hamilton County, Ohio Common Pleas Court for nearly two decades.

For 30 years, the Crouses lived on a farm in Highland County, Ohio. During that time, raising cattle was a major part of John's life. He was an avid outdoorsman, skilled marksman and fly-fisherman.

He was an accomplished musician and artist. He also had a passion for golf and tennis. The friendships formed through these interests were precious to him. During his cancer battle,

John never lost his keen sense of humor or his kindness to those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Madeleine; his sons, John P. (Isabel) Crouse and David O. (Michele) Crouse; daughters, Elizabeth (Brian) Smith, and Sarah Hoffer. He was the grandfather of Benjamin Crouse, Autumn Abila, Bonnie and Jonathon Blasewitz, Ethan and John (Jack) Crouse, Owen, Elena, and Evelyn Smith, Madeleine, Noah, and Ava Hoffer; great grandfather of Jayce and Brady Abila. John is survived by two sisters, Leslie (Bill) McLean of Virginia and Carolyn (Robert) Willard of California and his nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the UC Barrett Cancer Center, ProMedica/Heartland Hospice Care, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and to all of our dear friends.

Due to Covid-19, a private service will be held for the immediate family. At a future date, a Memorial Service will be held for family and friends.

Please share memories at craver-riggs.com.