Obituary of Wade Crouch

Hamilton Wade Crouch, 74, of Bossier City, Louisiana, went home to be with the Lord on January 12, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Wade was born on November 11, 1942 to Hamilton Bester Crouch and Etta Dunbar Crouch. Wade proudly served in the United States Marine Corp in his early years, but he returned home to raise his family which was his most treasured accomplishment. Wade was highly successful in sales and spent many years managing and training teams in various local car dealerships. An avid storyteller and known to always pull for the underdog, Wade loved to share memories of the friendships he developed in the car business as they are a loyal and tight group of lifetime friends. In more recent years, Wade devoted his life to help those who were bound by the chains of addiction; this gave him great joy and purpose. Wade was known to continue believing in those whom others had written off as unreachable; Wade chose to see the best. Over the past six years and, even as his own health was failing, Wade ministered to the precious residents at Highland Place Nursing Home and Rehabilitation every Monday night and left a lasting impact on their lives. They, in turn, loved and honored him in his final hours and escorted him with honor to his heavenly home. Without question, Wade's greatest loves were his Lord and his family, the legacy he leaves to carry on in his stead. Wade was known for countless, hilarious one-liners and welcomed everyone making them feel valuable and worthwhile no matter what. He generously shared his laughter, forgiveness, love for the Grace of God, importance of keeping his word and owned up to personal responsibility when necessary. Wade was welcomed into heaven by his son, Christopher Crouch, along with his parents, Aunt Althea Wasson, and his sister, Althea Chaler. Wade's legacy continues with his wife of 54 years, Josephine Diane Crouch; his son, James Patrick Crouch and wife, Rhonda; daughter, Tamara Diane Ewert Tammy and husband, Jason; and daughter-in-law, Kris Crouch Lincoln and husband, Barry. Wade is also survived by his nine grandchildren, the lights of his life: Zachary Christopher Crouch and wife, Meagan, Chase Neil Crouch, Michael Hamilton Crouch, Caroline Grace Crouch, Jason Colby Ewert, Cody Wade Crouch and fiancé Tara Northrup, Patrick Wade Crouch, Cassidy Diane Ewert, and Caleb Wade Ewert. Wade also adored his great-grandchildren, Macy, Haegan, and Chloe. Wade is also survived by his sister, Doe Jones and her husband, Dick; half-brother, Larry and wife, Carol; and brother-in-law, James Huckabay and wife, Fran and their children, Julie and Jennifer. He will also be greatly missed by his cherished dogs, Shiloh and Sabrina, and cats, Mercy and Callie. A celebration of Wade's life will be held on Monday, January 16, 11:00 am with visitation preceding the service at 10:00 am at Boone Funeral Home, 2156 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111. Special thanks to Dr. Timothy Nicholls, Dr. Michael Walton, Dr. Arnold Barz, Vicki Ott and the loving staff at Highland Place Nursing and Rehab, trusted neighbors, Joe and Nancy Meshell and Pat and Liz Spears, and the Sunday Night Bible Study Group. Bill Hall, Harvey Guilloit, Dr. Eric LeBlanc, and all of Wade's many friends. In closing, Wade had planned to present a message this week to the residents of Highland Place but was unable due to his failing health. This was the poem that he had intended to share, so in honor of his wishes, we would like to close with this sentiment in honor of his life that was well lived. Pray Don't Find Fault Pray don't find fault with the man who limps or stumbles along the road, unless you have worn the shoes he wears or struggled beneath his load. There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt, though hidden away from view, or the burden he bears, placed on your back might cause you to stumble too. Don't sneer at the man who's down today unless you have felt the blow that caused his fall or felt the shame that only the fallen know. You may be strong, but still the blows that were his if dealt to you, in the self same way, at the self same time, might cause you to stagger too. Don't be too harsh with the man who sins or pelt him with word or stone, unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure, that you have no sins of your own. For you know perhaps if the tempter's voice should whisper as softly to you as it did to him when he went astray, it might cause you to stumble too. ~ Author Unknown ~