BLAINE – Eldon D. Crouse Sr., 63, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, while surrounded by his family at his home. He was born March 16, 1948, in Mars Hill, the son of Wellington and Kathleen (Shaw) Crouse Sr.
Eldon grew up in Blaine and was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1967. He served in Vietnam as crew chief in the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry 227 Aviation Battalion, and was decorated for bravery. After his discharge he returned home and became the Blaine road commissioner for 38 years. Eldon spent many nights out plowing and keeping the roads safe for people to travel. He was well known in the town for being able to fix any problem that might arise with the equipment. Eldon was very civic minded and was the town of Blaine fire warden for many years, was a volunteer firefighter for the town of Mars Hill for 27 years, as well as a member of American Legion William Cousins Post No. 118. He loved outdoor activities, such as operating his potato stand, going to camp in Chapman, four-wheeling, hunting and fishing, especially when he could share them with his grandchildren. He could always be counted on for a good story, and will be greatly missed by his many family and friends.
In addition to his mother, Kathleen of Mars Hill, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon (Bolster) Crouse of Blaine; two sons, Eldon “Ed” Crouse Jr. and his wife, Heather, of Hermon, and Matthew Crouse and his wife, Amanda, of Blaine; four grandchildren, Jenna and Bryanne Crouse, Hunter and Madison Crouse; two brothers, Calvin Crouse Sr. and his wife, Nonie, and Wellington “Jake” Crouse Jr. and his wife, Renae, all of Robinson; three sisters, Bonnie Saucier and her husband, Jerry, of Presque Isle, Kathy Allen and her husband, Derek, of Mars Hill, and Patty Christmas and her husband, David, of South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Myrna Bolster of Bangor; a brother-in-law, Bryan Bolster of North Carolina; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Old Fashioned Revival Center, Blaine, with the Rev. Mark Carter officiating. Friends may call noon until the time of service at the church. A reception will be held after the service in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.