Elkin, Mr. Ernest Paul Crouse, age 82, of Elkin, passed away, Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at Heritage Healthcare. Mr. Crouse was born May 12, 1927 in Wilkes County to George Washington & Nancy Lyon Crouse. Mr. Crouse was retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and he was a member of Center Baptist Church and he enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ima Mae Crouse; two sons, Donald Crouse and Dickie Crouse; a brother, Johnny Crouse; a sister, Ruth Rowe. Survivors include: two sons, Garry Crouse and wife Pam of Tacoma Washington, Ken Crouse and wife Cindy of Millers Creek; two daughters, Betty Joe Holsclaw of Jonesville, Wilma Sue Manning and husband David of Austin; one sister, Rosalie Coggins of Richmond, VA; a sister-in-law, Kaye Crouse of Walnut Cove; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Center Baptist Church by Rev. John Lyon and Rev. Jimmy Gilreath. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to BROC Elderly Nutrition Program, c/o Mary Edna Faw, 710 Beech Street, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Online condolences may be made at www.elkinfuneralservice.com.