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John Crouse Obituary
Surrounded by family, John O. Crouse, retired judge, passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 10, 2020.
He was born Nov. 27, 1935, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of the late John E. Crouse and Ruth (Smith) Crouse.
He married Madeleine (Pence) Crouse on Dec. 22, 1958, in Hillsboro.
John graduated from Bexley High School in Columbus. 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 Common Pleas Court for nearly two decades.
For 30 years, the Crouses lived on a farm in Highland County. 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; and 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, and Madeleine, Noah and Ava Hoffer; and 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Crouse
Kelley Walker
November 10, 2022
Missing a good neighbor.
Colleen Elmore
November 23, 2020
I have many good memories of times we spent with John and Madeline. And great respect! I hope there is an angel who can make him bran muffins, his favorite at the Koffee Kup!
Faye Barbeau
November 22, 2020
Dear Madeleine, Jim and my relationship with John go back to fraternity days at Ohio State. We were so happy to meet again with you and John at St. Thomas. He was a wonderful person. Faye Barbeau
Carolyn Willard
November 19, 2020
I was lucky to have John as my older brother. He was a wise councilor and “fixer”. His honesty and integrity were notable with us and everyone else.
He always made me laugh. Whenever we got together in person or on the phone, it was time for hilarity. My husband and children adored him too. and we will miss him
Kit Lowe
November 18, 2020
John was a perfect example of a friend, a father and a spouse. He left life long lessons of honesty and integrity to those who knew him. I’m glad my family were recipients of his advice, his humor and his generosity. He lives on in our hearts.
Kathy Lynch
November 18, 2020
Wishing all of the family peace and fond memories.
The Lynch family
Kelley Walker
November 18, 2020
I am sorry to have lost a good neighbor.
dave McKenna
November 17, 2020
A genuinely good man. He was among the first to welcome me into the community and never hesitated with his friendship. He shared wisdom freely and graciously. He set an example for me as a judge, a father and a man.
Dawn Jones
November 17, 2020
Elizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear of you dad's passing. Please accept our condolences, and God Bless.
Tom Pulse
November 17, 2020
Sorry to hear of John's passing. He and his family were a credit to Hillsboro. He was a wonderful neighbor while the kids were growing up. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
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