James Marshall Crouch Jr.

James Marshall Crouch, Jr. of McGregor died February 16, 2014, at the age of 85. A memorial services will be held at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Cole Funeral Home Chapel in McGregor with the Reverend Terry Johnston officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Cole Funeral Home, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor, Texas.

Mr. Crouch was born February 28, 1928 in McGregor, Texas, the son of the late James Marshall Crouch and Rachael Brown Crouch. He attended McGregor ISD and was a 1945 graduate. He continued his education at Baylor University in Waco, Texas and Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

In 1948 he became the third generation owner/operator of McGregor Milling and Grain. He began working at the mill when he was only a teenager. During his time with McGregor Milling and Grain, he served the board as secretary, vice-president, and president. In 1976, the mill was sold to ESCO Ltd. He continued as manager of the McGregor Division and became Vice-President of ESCO Distributor, Inc.

On January 31, 1949, James Marshall Crouch and Mary Jo Oswald were married in Bertram, Texas. On October 2, 1974, he and Bonnie Edwards were married in Marlin, Texas. He and Fran Anderson were married in 1997. They all preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Carolyn Constantine.

Mr. Crouch was very active in community and state organizations. Being a 1952 charter member of the McGregor Lions Club, he held several offices including president. He was a member of the McGregor ISD School Board from 1951 to 1973, serving as president from 1961 to 1966. In 1963 he was President of the Texas Seedman’s Association, 1966 was president of Texas Certified Seed Producers, Inc., and in 1995 he was awarded The Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Seed Trade Association. Mr. Crouch was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in McGregor.

Survivors include a son, Marshall Crouch III and wife, Paula of Tyler; two daughters, Shelly Reese and husband, A. W. of Salado, Celestia Winkler of Temple; four grandchildren, Robert Marshall Crouch and wife, Tammy, Matthew James Crouch, Sarah-Marie Leonard and husband, Johnathan, Taylor Leigh Winkler, three great-grandchildren.

Our family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to The Meridian Health Center staff for their great care of our father and the compassion they have shown to our family. Also a our heartfelt thanks to his nurse, Kathy, and all the caring staff of the Temple Scott & White Hospice for the special care they gave to him.

For those desiring the family suggests First Baptist Church, 700 West Sixth Street, McGregor, Texas 76657 or Texas Seed Trade Association, Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 29987, Austin, Texas 78755 for memorial contributions.

Condolences may be offered at colefuneralhomes.com.