Virgil Croucher

Virgil Croucher, 89, of Ottawa, KS passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022 at his home.

He was born August 7, 1932 in Burlingame, KS the son of Henry Croucher and Georgia Ruth (Carter) Croucher.  Virgil grew up in the Burlingame area graduating from Burlingame High School with the class of 1950.  He also attended Kansas State University.

Virgil proudly served his country in the United States army from June of 1953 until 1955 earning the rank of Corporal.  He served as a Wheel and tack mechanic spending most of his service time in Germany. Virgil received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the American Campaign Medal for his service to the country.

On May 18, 1958, Virgil was united in marriage to Jeanette Smay at the First Baptist Church, Ottawa, KS.  They just celebrated their sixty-third year of marriage until Jeanette’s death in November of 2021.

Virgil worked for McKay Brick Company, Ottawa, KS as a mechanic for two years prior to his military service.  When he returned Virgil worked as a Mechanic for Mulkay Buick, Ottawa until going to work for Lester Moore Chevrolet, Ottawa for many years.  In the early 70’s he began his work as a mechanic for the Civil Service as a member of the Kansas National Guard in Ottawa at the National Guard Armory.  During those years he moved his way from Maintenance to Communications for the National Guard and upon his retirement from the National Guard he had earned the rank of Master Sergeant.  During his final years of work and many years into his retirement Virgil also spent many hours working on cars for the local community out of his own garage.  He especially worked on many of the Franklin County Sheriff vehicles and the Kansas Highway Patrol cars. 

He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Ottawa, and was an Assistant Scout Leader for Troop 76 when his boys were young.

Virgil was a dedicated husband and father who taught his kids hard work and late nights were just part of his work ethic over the years.  He spent most full days working and then ran the wrecker at night for the Chevrolet Company.  His sons have many fond memories of going on rides at night with dad to help out.  Virgil was a pheasant hunter through and through.  He loved to be out in the field and loved to see the birds get up and take flight during his many hunts.  He was a fixture at his boys and his grandchildren’s sporting events over the years.  Jeanette and Virgil never missed a game, they were always there for their family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Croucher and Ruth Croucher; siblings, Everett Croucher, Harold “Red” Croucher, George Croucher, Max Croucher, Madeline Wyrick; and daughter-in-law, Jan Croucher.

Virgil is survived by three sons, Brad Croucher and Janet, Ottawa, Rick and Brenda Croucher, Ottawa, Rod Croucher and Margie, Ottawa; a sister, Juanita Michaels, Houston, TX; twenty-one grandchildren; and twenty-three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at First Baptist Church, 410 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Ottawa.  Memorial contributions may be made to The First Baptist Church, Ottawa or Phoenix Hospice and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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