Joel H. Crouch

1938 - 2020

Joel H. Crouch

Joel H. Crouch passed away March 31, 2020 from complications from his recently diagnosed Lymphoma, he was 81. Joel was born on December 26, 1938 in Riverside, California. He was the only child of Russell and Miriam Crouch. He grew up in Rialto, CA and graduated from Colton High School in 1956.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Joyce Crouch his wife of 56 years, three daughters Melody Thornton of Palm Desert, Robin Crouch of Wrightwood CA and Joeli Strole of Rancho Mirage CA. He also leaves behind six grandchildren- Gordon Kordyak, Joel Kordyak, Melissa Thornton, Branden Bergen, Laken Lynch and Westin Lynch. He also left behind three great grandchildren Jackson, Cole and Gordon. He was predeceased by two sons Rick Bergen and Joel Wayne Crouch. He also lost a daughter, Lori Bergen.

Throughout his life, Joel always found a way to give back to the community. He was initiated as a Freemason in February, 1960. He became Master of the Rialto Lodge in 1972. He was the recipient of Freemasonry's prestigious Hiram Award in January of 1986. Joel was also very involved in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and the International Order of Demolay for many years. After he retired to Palm Desert he was very active with the Community Church of Joy for many years.

At a very early age Joel learned the value of hard work. He started working at the age of 10, helping his father in his gas station. He bought his own station, becoming a Chevron dealer in his twenties. Joel would continue his business relationship with Chevron for over 40 years.

He used that business to employ many of his friends' children over the years. He was a mentor to many and instilled in all of them his strong work ethic. Even after retiring to the desert in the early 1990's, he was not happy unless he was working. He tried a few different opportunities and found a second career that he loved; preparing income taxes.

Joel professionally prepared taxes for individuals and small businesses in Palm Desert for over 25 years. He was instrumental in the success of his youngest daughter and her partner's tax business. Joel worked with them until the day he died; actually he never missed a day of work in his entire life. Joel touched a great many people throughout his life and will be greatly missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming months to honor this wonderful man.

The family wishes that memorial contributions be donated to the Desert Cancer Society or the American Cancer Society.