Donald Clayton Crouse

Donald Clayton Crouse, age 74, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026. He was born on February 19, 1952, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Don was a carpenter by trade and a musician at heart. He loved working with his hands to build or fix just about anything. He crafted musical masterpieces with his soul and his wonderful voice. At a young age, he attended mechanical school in Nashville, Tennessee, where he bought his very own Hernandez guitar and was inspired by music. Don wrote and recorded over 100 songs that his family members enjoy every day. He loved writing, singing, recording, and jamming with family and friends. If you knew him, you know he loved to talk – a lot. He was loud and silly and happy. He loved making people smile, nature walks in the woods identifying wild edibles, fishing with his sons and buddies, canoeing down a beautiful river, hot cups of coffee with a cigarette. He was devoted to his family and having adventures with his grandchildren. He was kind, passionate, disciplined, motivated to live in the moment and “enjoy the ride” of life. Don made sure to do one nice thing for someone every day. He enjoyed sending “happy mail” to all the special people in his life, to lift others’ spirits and spread love and joy. He will be remembered as one of the most genuine, thoughtful, generous, funny, sweet men we will ever have the privilege of knowing, and we were the luckiest people in the world to call him our friend.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Marvin Crouse, and his good friend, Danny Bossard. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanette; his sisters Marlene, Muriel, and Julia; his children Jenny (Brian), Daniel (Libby), Devon (Luis), and Joshua (Abby); his stepchildren Carl and Laura (Josh); and his wonderful grandchildren who he adored – Brodey, Brandon, Jillian, Noah, Gabrielle, Jude, Archer, Marvin, River, Jacquelin, Mateo and step-grandchildren Spencer, Levi, Brandeis, and Frankie.

A celebration of life, where we will share the wonderful memories of Don, will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday June 23, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the funeral home. Committal and burial at Lindenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Community Harvest Food Bank or Matthew 25 Health and Care.