Obituary of Oscar J. Croucher

Croucher, Oscar J. Saginaw, MI Known as Jerry by almost everyone, and sometimes called OJ by friends, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great Pa, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2017 at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. He was 93 years old. He was born on August 21, 1923, in Gas City, Indiana to the late Oscar Lee and Ola Mae (Honnaker) Croucher. He was the oldest of seven children. He had a passion for baseball and basketball and Indiana University (Hoosiers) sports which continued into adulthood. After graduating from Mississinewa (Jonesboro High) School in 1942, he enlisted in the Army in 1943 where he was assigned to the 1152nd Army Air Force Unit. Working as an airplane mechanic he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and was one of the youngest Crew Chiefs to hold that rank. Upon discharge in 1946 he attended Indiana University and Business College. OJ began his lifelong service to veterans by accepting a position at the 2100-bed hospital of the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in Marion, Indiana. There he met the love of his life, Dorothy; she was a cadet nurse. They just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on January 16th of this year. His VA career moved him to Saginaw, Michigan in 1952, where he was employed by the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. When Jerry arrived in Saginaw he and his family took great pride in building the family home where he and Dorothy lived. He retired as the Director of Volunteer Services and Patient Recreation after 34 years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Saginaw since 1952, and most recently a member of Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. His leisure activities included small engine repair and horseshoe playing. He competed for many years in the Can-Amera games. He played on several softball teams after coming to Michigan as a young man. He was a great story teller. His original stories were routinely requested by his children and grandchildren. When asked about his favorite color he would say "I don't care what color it is as long as it's red." He will forever be remembered for his leadership skills, and his collection of bow ties made by his wife and daughters. There was even a Sunday that the congregation from church honored him by everyone wearing a bow tie. His creative talents are carried on by his son. Jerry's memory will forever be cherished by his wife, best friend, and partner of 70 years, Dorothy; daughter, Marilyn Schafer; son and daughter-in-law; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; numerous relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Linda in 2004. We will miss him. The family would like to thank everyone that has provided care over the past several years, especially the Palliative Care Unit at the VA Hospital in Saginaw for the loving care provided to him and his family. BURIAL: Burial and military honors under the auspices of the US Air Force will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2016 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. Rev. Carol McCleary will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center or the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the cemetery, funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com