Joseph C. Crouch Jr.

Crouch, Joseph C., Jr. It is so difficult to say Goodbye to someone who always had your back, thought that you are perfect just the way you are, and taught you that kindness enriches your life more than any amount of money. Yet that day does come and on June 29, 2016 we said goodbye to Joseph C. Crouch Jr. On that day he packed up his pencils and brushes and answered God's call to come home. To those reading this obit, he leaves behind a body of work that defined him. He was a member of an elite crew who lent their artistic talent to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in exchange for a living wage. As Art Critic Mary King once said, His best work shows a special training and ability far in excess of normal newspaper requirements¢$ºHe ranges around the emotional field, sometimes on the cool and objective side, but his inclination is evidently toward the sentimental and moralistic. In his eyes, his five girls (Claudia, Kathy, Lesa, Laura and Jill), were far more lustrous than the Pot of Gold he and Mom thought would be wonderful to find. He was awed by the fine progeny that followed: Daniel, Lea, Annie, Johnny, David, Jenn, Tony, Joe, Stephen, Sam, Juliana, Luke and was happily awaiting the arrival of Madeline and Joseph. He formed special bonds with his sons-in-law and welcomed them as his sons. He was a favorite of his nieces and nephews. Our family thanks Grace Poland, all of his fine neighbors at Aperion Hidden Lake for their friendship, Dr. Edward Puro, his staff, and the Medi-plex Hospice team. Our lives would be so much harder without you. A sampling of Dad's work can be found in the Special Collections section of the Saint Louis Public Library.