Gilbert V. Crouse, 85, of Meriden, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 1, 1933, in Cainsville, Mo., the son of Wilbur and Vera (Baker) Crouse. He graduated from Cainsville High School, Class of 1951. He received his Associates Degree in Business Administration from Highland Community College.
Gilbert was drafted right out of High School in 1951 during the Korean Conflict and trained at Fort Riley, KS with the United States Army Infantry. He served overseas. He was an NCO and earned an Expert Infantryman’s Badge of which he was very proud, and other decorations. He was honorably discharged. He was employed by Rainbow Telephone Cooperation, Association in Everest, Kan., as General Manager for many years, retiring in 1998. He was the President of the Kansas Telephone Association from 1983-84.
In 1997 he was inducted into the Kansas Telecommunications
Hall of Fame in recognition of outstanding contributions in providing service
and leadership in the Telecommunications Industry. In 1997 he also received the
Bob Haney Award for leadership, honesty, fairness, respect and service. He
received recognition for 35 years in the Telecommunications Industry given to
him by the N.T.C.A. in 1998.
In 1998, he was also recognized by the State Independent Telephone Association
of Kansas for his many years of devotion in helping Kansas Independents stay in
touch with world communications.
Gilbert was a member of the Meriden United Methodist Church. Gilbert was also a Master Mason and was a long time member of the Hiawatha A.F. & A.M. Lodge #35. He also joined the Abdallah Shrine. While a resident of Everest, Kan., he served in many capacities including as Mayor and Fire Chief and was a very active member of the community.
Gilbert was an avid golfer for many years. He enjoyed hunting his entire life and had owned and trained several bird dogs over the years which he loved. He was a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association and also enjoyed fishing. He especially enjoyed following his children and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years. He was their Super Fan. He also loved rooting for the KC Royals, KC Chiefs and KU Men’s Basketball.
Gilbert married Rita K. Johnson on March 17, 1956 in Cainsville, Mo. She preceded him death on January 12, 2013.
Survivors include his children, Deborah (Steve) Shaffer, Osage Beach, Mo., Vicki Simmons, Topeka, Kan., Lisa (Steve) Peavler, Meriden and Gilbert V. Crouse, Jr., Hiawatha, Kan.; grandchildren Jon Jason “JJ” (Tonya) Scott, Dustin Shaffer, Shana Salcedo, Cody Shaffer, Brad (Stacy) Scott, Casey Peavler, Marcus Peavler, Josh Simmons, Gilbert V. Crouse, III “Trip”, Megan Crouse, Emily Crouse, Calvin Crouse, John Crouse and Dorothy Crouse; brother Gary (Deanna) Crouse; 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the Glaze Cemetery in Cainesville, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Meriden United Methodist Church, 100 Haines Dr., Meriden, Kan., 66512 or to the Topeka Alzheimer’s Association, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka, Kan. 66614.