Cpl. William Jared Crouch

Born Oct. 6, 1985, Jared was killed serving his country in Iraq on Saturday, June 2, 2007, doing what he always felt he was born to do. A 2004 graduate of Starkey Academy in Central and a member of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church, Jared fulfilled his dream by joining the U.S. Army right out of high school. His basic training was completed at Fort Knox, Ky., where he became a cavalry scout with the Stryker Division, earning a marksman badge. He then went to Fort Lewis, Wash., to continue his intensive training for two more years. He was deployed to Iraq on April 8, 2007, with the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. He had only been in combat a little over a month when he was struck down by an I.E.D. while responding as part of a Quick Reaction Team. He worked so hard once he arrived in Iraq that in the short time he was there he advanced his rank to corporal. He is survived by his mother, Kathy Russell Rushing; stepfather, James Edward "Jimbo" Rushing Jr.; older brother, Jeremy Ryan James; younger brother, Spc. John Wesley Crouch with the 758 Maintenance Company in Bucca, Iraq; stepbrothers, Matthew Tristan and Morgan Taylor Rushing; stepgrandparents, James Edward Sr. and Cathy Rushing of Plaquemine; his aunts and uncles, Jan and Mose Guzzardo of Amite, Judy Russell of Indianapolis, Stephanie Robertson of Baton Rouge, Nina Gaudet of Belleville, Ill., Georgie and Ronnie Simmers of Brusly, Kaye and Cecil Rushing of Denham Springs, Randy Moak of Ocala, Fla., and Al and Ann Moak of Mississippi; numerous cousins and a special friend, Samantha Jacobson of Tacoma, Wash. He loved and enjoyed his extended family and was a devoted and generous friend to many. He loved movies, pizza and hanging out with friends. Even though he was only with us for 21 short years, he touched and enriched the lives of many. He died as he lived. "¦ "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend "¦ " John 15:13. He was preceded in death by his father, Baton Rouge City Police Cpl. James William Crouch of Baton Rouge; and grandparents, Earl and Elaine Russell, who were of Roseland. He is gone from us now, but his courage, bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Visitation at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church, 10915 Florida Blvd., on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. until religious service at noon, conducted by the Rev. Louis Boyd. Interment will follow in Port Hudson National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please support our troops by contributing in Jared's name to Fisher House at Fort Lewis, Wash., Heroes At Home, or any other military organization of your choice. Rabenhorst Funeral Home East is in charge of arrangements.