William "Smitty" Crouch

William "Smitty" Crouch died on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, peacefully, at his home in Chester, surrounded by his children. He was 96 years old. Born on November 9, 1928 in Chester, Maryland, he was the son of the late Walter "Capt. Smitty" Crouch and Katie Kersey Crouch. Smitty graduated from Stevensville High School in 1947. He married Gloria Mae Wyatt of Chester, Maryland on June 26, 1948. From childhood, always wanting money in his pocket, he worked at many jobs on the Eastern Shore. He was a farm laborer, at age 12 on the Kersey farm. At 12 through 14 he worked at soft crabbing, gunning duck blinds with Charles Ford, Friels Cannery, the concession stand on the ferry boat and worked for his father, Capt. Smitty, in the Oyster business and the store. He tried the Baltimore Great American Tea and Spice Company but, that didn’t last long. Back on the Eastern Shore, he worked at the maintenance shop at Matapeake as an apprentice. Smitty worked on the Matapeake Ferry in the engine room the day they hit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (under construction at the time). Next, he worked the very first night shift on the Bay Bridge as a toll collector. He oystered with George Walters, painted with his father in law, Casey Wyatt. Became a road inspector for State Highway Administration in Cambridge and Salisbury. Finally, Tidewater Fisheries caught his eye, later to be renamed the Department of Natural Resources Police. Forty One years later, he was the admired and respected Capt. William Crouch, DNR officer. He was praised for Public Relations work and won officer of the year. He was the first Marine Policeman to go through the Md State Police Academy. They called him the old man, typing being the hardest part, but he achieved success and promotion for his efforts. He remained active at the Kent Island United Methodist Church, was an avid fisherman, golfer, and traveler. He participated in all his childrens' and grandchildrens' activities. Every birthday and Christmas Dinner and gift giving, he was front row and center. In addition to his wife of 76 years, Gloria Wyatt Crouch, Smitty was preceded in death by two sons, Jay Crouch and David Crouch; one son in law, Martin Pierson; three brothers, Gordon Crouch, Jimmy Crouch and Jackie Crouch; three sisters, Mary Ann Trapp, Ruth Thompson, and Jean Crouch. He is survived by one sister Nancy Bly; one son, Glenn Crouch; two daughters, Honey Voermann and Penny Pierson; grandchildren,Tara and Mike Catterton, Billy and Jessica Voermann and Casey and Jacob Danzeisen; great grandchildren, Paxton Catterton, Maximo Voermann and Jay Danzeisen. Daughters in law, Barb Crouch and Donna Crouch. Smitty Crouch was a true native son of Kent Island. He will be missed. Memorial Services will be held at Helfenbein’s Funeral Home in Chester, Maryland on December 19, 2024. Visitation from 11am to 12pm. Service from 12 to 1. Burial will follow the funeral service at Stevensville Cemetery.

William "Smitty" Crouch

November 9, 1928 - December 11, 2024