Dwayne Wesley Crouse

Born June 18, 1948

Wichita, Kansas

Graduated to Glory

Monday, February 26, 2024

Titusville, Florida

GONE HOME!

Our beloved “husband, father, grandpa, and friend to so many,” Dwayne Crouse, was called to his new address in the Celestial City on February 26, 2024, after complications from cancer.  Throughout his short journey with cancer, he never took his eyes off Jesus.  He rested in the knowledge that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

 “Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 Dwayne’s story began in Wichita, Kansas, on June 18, 1948, as the oldest of four children born to Gerald & Luella Crouse.  He met his high school sweetheart, Jenny Crouse, and they graduated from Derby, Kansas together in 1966.  Their love affair lasted 51 years, resulting in three children, 24 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, with 2 on the way.  When Jenny went home to heaven in 2018, Dwayne was fortunate to experience love again marrying Lisa M. Davidson.  They spent the last four years between North Carolina and Florida.

 To say that Dwayne was a musical 'natural' is an understatement. Early on, he was introduced to the accordion, and although he may have had a couple of lessons, basically, he taught himself to play.  Such was also the case when he discovered the piano.  And he didn't need any music.  If he heard a piece, he could play it.  With little formal training, he was, however, greatly influenced in his playing by listening to recordings of that great 'classical' pianist, Floyd Cramer (look him up).  The story is told of Dwayne helping his dad move a piano one day on the back of his truck.  His dad asked him to ride in the back with the piano, and instead of just riding, Dwayne decided to play as they rode along.  Apparently, a man pulled up alongside them at an intersection and shouted to Dwayne - "Can you play 'Melancholy Baby'?"  Dwayne said, "Sure", and began to play the tune by ear.  Another man pulled up to where his dad was and remarked - "Can't you just get a radio like everyone else?"

 However, Dwayne's love for playing music became almost an idol in his life, and he felt he had to lay it aside.  It wasn't until a man introduced him to the guitar that he felt he had a leading to pick it back up.  When Jenny (Dwayne's first wife of over 50 years) and he were married, his talent began to bloom into a ministry of sharing the gospel and bringing life and joy to all who heard.  They not only led in musical praise in the churches God led them but also reached out to minister in prison settings and retirement facilities.  Dwayne loved singing and playing the praises of his Lord Jesus Christ, and God richly blessed him through the Holy Spirit to bring glory and honor to His heavenly Father and the Kingdom of God.

 In the later years, his ministry was truly special as he led in praise and worship at his church, with so much peace, love, and healing being ministered to those who were there to hear and experience.  He truly had turned over this 'natural' talent back to the One who gave it to him, and consequently, his life brought many blessings and glory to the Father's work here on earth.

 Dwayne was preceded in death by his father Gerald, mother Luella, wife Jenny, brothers Kevin & Gary Crouse.  He is survived by his wife Lisa, sister Karen Turner (David), his children Kimberly Luanne Burke (Al), Kevin Dwayne Crouse (Laurie Jo), and Jonathan Scott Crouse (Aimee).

 A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at Hope Baptist Church, 825 Averette Road, Wake Forest, NC  27587.  A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow.

 Flowers are welcome, or you may want to consider investing in the eternal.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com