Clarence E. Crouse, Jr., 94, of Jacksonville, IL, better known as "Junior", passed away at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born March 30, 1929, in Jacksonville, the son of Clarence Harrison and Marie Scott Crouse. He married Virginia B. Rigney in February of 1949 and they later divorced. To that union were born five children: the late Mike Crouse (surviving wife, Jean Ann of Bluffs), Deb Crouse Zimmer of Jacksonville, Greg Crouse of Jacksonville, Scott Crouse of Jacksonville, and Christopher Crouse (companion, Brett Smith) of Florida.

Junior later married Marjorie L. Scoggins on January 7, 1972, and she preceded him in death on May 17, 2013. To that union, he welcomed two stepchildren: Scott Jess (wife, Lisa) and Debra McKean (husband, Lee), all of Jacksonville. Junior later married Barbara Shelburn on October 19, 2015, and she survives.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Kyle Zimmer, Dana Blakeman, Miranda Crouse, Ryan Michael Crouse, Heather Jess, Jared Jess, Megan Miller, and Wes McKean; 13 great grandchildren (including one expected this fall); a brother, Jim Crouse (wife, Sandy) of Seneca, South Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Reggie Crouse, a sister, Patricia Crouse Simpson along with her husband, Curt, and several aunts and uncles. Adopted family member, Georgia Duncan, who lost her husband in the Walgreens fire was welcomed into the Crouse family. She resided many years with them until her death. Junior loved life, family, and friends. He was a 1947 graduate of Jacksonville High School and attended Hardin-Brown Business College. He was a well-respected insurance agent, district and regional manager for Mutual of Omaha and AFLAC insurance companies for 50 years.

As a youngster, he enjoyed ice skating to school and playing ice hockey with his uncles, Merle and Bob Scott. Junior also enjoyed racing go karts and boating at the Jacksonville Boat and Ski Club. As a young man, he delivered milk for Hudson Dairy and Journal Courier newspapers. Junior spent many hours with his brother, Reggie, working on their electric train collection. He also owned a 1957 Chevy which became a prized possession along with the many dogs in his life: Tinker, Dusty, Duke and Sadie. He concluded his work career at the age of 87, bagging groceries and visiting with old friends at County Market. He was a former member of the Jacksonville Moose and Elks Club. Junior was a member of Central Christian Church, where he formerly served as a deacon and elder.

His greatest passion was spent at the grill or oven in the kitchen, especially during his favorite holiday, Christmas. Junior grew up cooking and was well known for his homemade ice cream, fried chicken, and World Famous Trailways chili. Recipes honed from time spent working closely with his parents at Trailways Café, Little White House, Julianne Inn, and the Junction Café in Winchester. And later working closely with his daughter, Deb, at Zimmy's On The Hill and City's Sports Pub & Grill.

At his request, cremation rites have been accorded. A private committal will be held later at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will host a celebration of life on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Central Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Jacksonville. Memorial gifts are suggested to Central Christian Church or Elara Hospice. The Buchanan &Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is serving the Crouse family. Condolences may be sent online to www.buchanancody.com .