Michael W. Crouch

Michael W. Crouch, 87, of Elmwood, passed away at 6:10 a.m., on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Country Comfort in Elmwood. He was born April 29, 1936, in Peoria, to Wilbur and Juanita (Hahn) Crouch. He married Patricia Doubet on October 8, 1955, in Princeville. She survives.

He is also survived by six children, Dennis (Joy) Crouch of Eureka, Cathy (Dave) Shipley of Yates City, Ronald (Kim) Crouch of Brimfield, Connie (Randy) Dollar of Chewlah, WA, Cheryl (Curtis) Wright of Eureka, and Brenda (Dave) Evans of Normal; eighteen grandchildren; and thirty-one great-grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Joan Orr.

Michael was a lifetime Sheep Shearer. He won many contests/accolades including: National Sheep Shearing Contest winner in 1974, second place in 1982, the Indiana Sheep Shearing Contest four times, and Sheep Shearer of the Year three years in a row. Michael managed the Illinois Sheep Shearing Contest for many years. He sheared all over the United States including Canada. Michael was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, loved to travel, and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Michael served in the Navy Reserves for six years. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elmwood.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private burial of ashes will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in rural Elmwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the fellowship hall at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance and the American Cancer Society.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.