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JOSEPH CREVASSE Obituary
MARTIN, JR.
Joseph Martin Crevasse, Jr., former Alachua County Sheriff, age 96 of Gainesville, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012 at his home. Mr. Crevasse was born December 19, 1915 in Tampa, Florida. He received both a B.S. and an M.A. in Agriculture from the University of Florida. He was a lifetime member of the Florida Sheriff's Association, and served as Secretary/Treasurer for several years. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, Girls Villa and Youth Fund. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #41, Elk Club, Moose Lodge, the Exchange Club and the Rotary Club, where he received the most distinguished "Paul Harris Fellow" award in 2009. After receiving the award, he was quoted as saying, "I have tried to help people throughout my life. I've had a good life, and I would like other people to have good lives, too."
In 1945, Joe and Margaret Crevasse opened Crevasse's, Inc., a florist and landscape nursery. Crevasses Regency Florist is now operating in its third generation of the Crevasse family.
Mr. Crevasse will be most remembered for his twenty-one years of exemplary service as Alachua County Sheriff from 1955 to 1976 and as University of Florida's first Police Chief from 1947 to 1955. He was appointed as Alachua County's 23rd Sheriff in 1955 and was re-elected five times before retiring in 1976. To that honor, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office building was dedicated to former Sheriff Crevasse on April 26, 2011.
Sheriff Joe ate lunch at LaFamilia's Cuban restaurant Monday through Friday for many years with owner and close friend, Terry Sapp. He enjoyed visiting with the many local law enforcement officers, deputies, and local dignitaries who often stopped in to chat with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Martin Crevasse, Sr. and Maude McCreary Crevasse; wife, Margaret Crevasse; brother, Bill Crevasse and sister, Virginia Messina.
He is survived by son, Joe M. "Buddy" (Minnie) Crevasse of Newberry and daughter, Peggy Ellison of Gainesville; grandchildren, Beau (Christen) Crevasse, Meg Ellison and Bobby Crevasse and great grandchildren, Hunter and Colt Crevasse.
Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First Street with Rev. Carl Romey officiating. Interment Services will follow in Memorial Park East with Rev. Louanne Loch officiating. Reception will follow at Alachua County Sheriff's Office Headquarters (Joe Crevasse Building), 2621 SE Hawthorne Road. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street. The family will gladly receive flowers as Joe always loved them.
Special thanks to Haven Hospice, Comfort Keepers and Marion Strawder for their exceptional care and compassion.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
(352) 376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH CREVASSE
Gloria Harrison
February 7, 2012
Let not your heart be troubled. To the Crevasse family, my sincere condolences and sympathy. Sheriff Crevasse lived a long and fruitful life and the Lord makes no mistakes. Know that he is at peace now and the memories will live on in your lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gloria Harrison ACSO
Janice Fletcher
February 5, 2012
Buddy, Peggy and family...my condolences on the passing of Sheriff Joe. He was one in a million. I remember as a small child walking down to the florist shop and talking with him in the back. I remember the big bear (Daisy) ...He always had the time for a child, and then my husband worked for him in the 70's. I will miss him and he is resting in peace now.God be with you all.
Joel DeCoursey
February 3, 2012
Thank You Sheriff Crevasse for the many lives that you touched over the years. May God Bless the Crevasse Family. Weeping may endure for the night, but Joy comes in the morning. Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr. and family
Frank Cellon
February 3, 2012
I've known Sheriff Crevasse my entire life. He was a real fine man and will be greatly missed by the community. He was always mindful of the feelings of others and I will always remember him with fondness. My deepest sympathy to the family.
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David Redman
February 3, 2012
On behalf of the Cecil Walker and David Redman families our condolences to the Crevasse family. I knew Joe while I worked for both the Gainesville Sun in 1966 and during my years at Marineland where Cecil was VP and assistant general manager. His contributions to both Alachua County and Marineland will be long remembered.
Jack & Jan Denton
February 3, 2012
Buddy, We want you to know that we are thinking of you and the other family members. We know what a positive influence he had on you. He was such a well respected man and he lived his life with goodness and dignity, one to be very proud of.
Walter Gastiger
February 3, 2012
You will be missed Mr.Joe,who was the most kindest man,I have ever knew,Marineland would have never been very clean without you,you kept the park in ship shape,Now you can be in charge in Jesus garden,May you rest in Heaven and see you there,when it my time.God Bless.Rick Gastiger(Former Marineland employee.)
Ginger Beck
February 3, 2012
Buddy and Family,
Our family was blessed to have your dad's influence and support through the years. I'm sure he and L.W. are together again sharing stories of their law enforcement years.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise Tyre Barnett
February 3, 2012
Buddy and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorry. Remember the good times and know that he is now in the hands of our Heavenly Father but will never be forgotten in the hearts of many.
Regina French
February 2, 2012
Buddy,
Wanted to offer my condolences in the passing of your father and to let you know I am thinking of you. Sorry I was unable to attend the viewing or the funeral. May time heal the pain you and your family are feeling at this time.
Jim Bishop
February 2, 2012
As well as the honor Joe Crevasse received for his long service to his community, he was equally respected, along with his wife, Margaret as leaders in the floral industry and this family will long be remembered for their integrity and their contribution the world around them.
My sympathy and prayers for the Crevasse family and the many friends who had such profound respect for this great man.
I feel blessed for having known them.
Jim Bishop
Bill Lund
February 2, 2012
Buddy; My late wife Nell and I worked under your Dad.A great sheriff and Man, he will be missed. My prayers are with you and the family
Bob McLendon
February 2, 2012
Sheriff Crevasse hired me as a depuyty in 1966, and my career of 36 years was begun. I always found him to be fair and respectful to me, and I enjoyed working for him. Not only was he my boss, but he was also a mentor, and a friend. He added so much to the lives of so many, and he will be missed. But, his contributions to others will be everlasting. Thanks, Sheriff, for all you gave to so many.
wendy mcmullen
February 2, 2012
My grandparents where friends with Joe he was a great man with the most caring heart i'm sorry for you lose my condolence to the family he will be greatly miss in are hearts and in alachua county
Rev. Edward Starling & Family
February 2, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 2, 2012
I will miss Joe and I'm unable to come to the funeral. Margaret S. Zeanah, member 1st United Methiodist Church
Nancy Duke Ervin
February 2, 2012
Peggy, Buddy and Family,
As you heal from the death of your father and memories of good and bad times treasure the wonderful memories of your parents. I am one of the fortunate ones to have been aquainted with them since they came to Gainesville. "What a thrill it was to go into the grow houses at the nursery on Hawthorne road and see all the beautiful flowers." The Crevasse's have made a lasting memory on this area. Take care, Nancy Duke Ervin and Family of Alachua.
Sharon Cruce-Wooding
February 2, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Leopold
February 1, 2012
Buddy and families,
I have truly been blessed having known the Sheriff, he touched my life in a way I can't discribe. He was a great men and will be missed by many. Over the years he was always there when I needed him, and he took the time to help and guide me. RIP Joe
Ferrell Asbell
February 1, 2012
I am honored that I interacted with the Sheriff's Department during my days in radio news, with Sheriff Crevasse at the helm. We can only hope that others of his caliber will step forward to serve as well as he did!
Josh McWilliams FSMD
February 1, 2012
The Crevasse & Ellison Family, May you find comfort in the fond thoughts of your Father & Grandfather. He was a great man always respected, honored and loved by all...
February 1, 2012
To The Family of Sheriff Crevasse, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Sheriff Joe touched many lives in a Gentleman and Friendly way.May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Helen McCallum, Crescent Beach
Martha, Phil & Melinda Loggins
February 1, 2012
Buddy and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Your father was such a nice person and we know that you all have such great memories of him.
February 1, 2012
Peggy, Buddy and families,
Socially and in business, your father/grandfather was one of the most gracious guys we've ever met. Always forthright in giving of his knowledge and experience, it was a pleasure having him visit our shop, visiting his greenhouses, or seeing him out and about.
Both Richard and I have always considered it a privilege knowing Sheriff and Mrs. Crevasse.
Our sympathies to you all.
Marty and Richard
RVS
February 1, 2012
May your beloved family find comfort during this time of grief. Psalms 68:20 states:" To the Sovereign Lord belong the ways out from death."
February 1, 2012
Many prayers coming your way in this sad, but proud time.........
John Martin
February 1, 2012
A true legend in his time, to this day when ever I hear the word Sheriff the first name that comes to mind is Joe Crevasse. I was privileged to hear many conversations with the High Sheriff and “Big Sid.” When I read he had passed I immediately had this image of my Dad saying come on in Joe we've been waiting on you. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
February 1, 2012
Peggy,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. He influenced so many people and will be missed by so many. I have wonderful memories of my friendship with him. I offer my condolences and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Rod Canon
Lake Mary, Fl
John Wyckoff
February 1, 2012
Buddy, I will always remember your dad as a warm and friendly person. His life was well lived. God bless him and your family.
Rosemary Green
February 1, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Paul Smith
February 1, 2012
Hi Buddy I offer my condolences to you and your family,you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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