Steven Eugene Crouse

Steven Eugene Crouse, 67, of Owings, MD, entered into God’s kingdom on February 27th, 2024. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on January 4th, 1957 to Paul and Betty Crouse.  Steve, the most devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and cousin is survived by his wife, Gaye; daughter, Holly; son-in-law, Jamie; siblings, Paul, Doris, Dave, Debbie, and Mark (Dora); nieces and nephews, PJ, Erik, Ryan, Cody, April, Josh, Kimmy, Mike, Jesse, Raymond, Christy, Leonard, Eddie, Dallas, Curtis, and Amy; 23 great nieces and nephews; and cousins Kim (Mike), Jackie (Sally), and Eddie (Sandy).  

Steve was born in West Virginia and his family relocated when he was an adolescent to Riverdale, Maryland. He was the second child of six, raised in a strong Christian Baptist home.  His sweet mother Betty would say he was the most mischievous of the bunch when they were little, always getting into something and keeping them on their toes.  She would joke that everyday he needed a spanking because if he didn’t need it at the moment, it was for something he’d already done or was about to do.  His personality of being the jokester was part of who he was to the core.  Steve’s passion for music began at an early age, teaching himself how to play many instruments, but particularly the guitar, learning to play by ear.  He went to Parkdale High School where he met the love of his life and future wife, Gaye.  He was 17 and she was 15.  After high school at the age of 18, he began his career at Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO).   Steve was in a four member rock-n-roll band called “Baby Needs Shoes.” He played the electric guitar, sang, and even wrote some original songs. The band played at many venues throughout Maryland and made lots of memories.

On September 22, 1984, Steve and Gaye got married. They purchased their first home in Riverdale and in 1988, they welcomed their daughter, Holly, into the world.  Deciding they wanted to move a bit further out of the suburbs and into the country, they had their first home built in Owings in 1994. Steve, Gaye, and Holly thrived and loved their life and friends in Calvert County.  During and throughout his working years, Steve’s love for the water grew, owning several boats and becoming an avid fisherman.  Many weekends and evenings after work were spent on the Chesapeake Bay.  He worked hard and dedicated a tremendous amount of overtime hours to support his family for 42 years until his retirement at the age of 60 in 2017.  

Upon retirement, Steve decided to get back into playing live music again. Because it had been a few years, he was a little shy at first, but we coaxed him back up on the stage at an open mic night, introducing himself as “Holly’s  Dad”.  He found himself back in his musical element again, but this time sharing his love for country music (often taking it back to the 90’s with tunes by the likes of Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffett) bringing joy to everyone around him with his incredible talent and outgoing personality.

Steve was a genuine family man of true integrity, hard work, and loved his lord and savior.  A casual guy most often found in blue jeans and a ball cap, he focused on providing Gaye and Holly with the best life possible. Steve had the most down-to-earth yet outgoing personality with a natural charisma to make friends wherever he was.  He had the prettiest baby blues and an endearing pearly white smile.  Steve’s corny jokes and laugh were simply infectious. He was a man with so many jokes and an uncanny ability to articulate and describe things so well and often so humorously.  When he told his stories you were guaranteed to feel like you were actually there.  Whether his tales were truthful or far-fetched, it was impossible not to find some interest or burst out laughing; especially when you saw the “smirk” signaling he was trying to keep a straight face.

His impact will be forever felt by his family and friends, that love him dearly.  His sudden passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of so many.  Although he was taken much too soon, Steve left a mark on this world and undoubtedly changed the lives of his family and friends for the better.  

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11:00 am - 2 pm where a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. 
 
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Steve to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/CCFMemorial/team/SteveCrouse to further accelerate cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) research.