Wayne Crouse

Wayne John Crouse, age 76, passed away on May 26, 2026.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the youngest of five children. Like most kids growing up, he went to school, attended church, and played baseball. He loved his mom's iced tea, tagging along after his older brother, and crabbing with his next-door neighbor.

At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Army. He did two tours in Vietnam. He was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Company D, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry, and served as a door gunner in the 117th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter).

He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, the Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (first award), and Aircraft Crewman Badge.

He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 12101.

You would always find him behind the wheel for his work. For nearly 42 years, he drove a tractor-trailer or a tour bus, just like his dad. He traveled coast-to-coast and along the east coast from Florida to Maine, even into Canada. His other interests turned to motorcycle riding, and he got a Harley! He joined the Old Glory HOG group. He enjoyed the many rides, new friends, and supporting the causes of various organizations.

When he retired to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2012, one of the first things he did was join the Southern Nevada HOG Chapter at Red Rock Harley Davidson. Outside of the amazing people, the great rides exploring Nevada and California, he liked going to new places to eat. His greatest enjoyment was playing Santa for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation every Christmas. Decorating his motorcycle and riding into the dealership with all the other bikes and riders, hearing the kids and families yelling and waving, was a thrill.

Being Santa expanded to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. From the little boy who leapt into his arms and said, "Santa, I missed you!" to the kids asking for their parent to come home from the war, he loved it all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher and Margaret; brothers, Christopher Jr. and David; sister, Margaret; and daughter, JoAnne.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia; sister, Mary; children, Cindy (Bill), Lisa (Greg), Michelle, and Jonathan (Serena); brother-in-law, Ron; grandchildren, Curtis, Ashleigh, Adam, Aliza, Cole, Holly, Abbigail, Katie, and Kenzie; four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Contributions to honor Wayne’s life may be made to:
Connor and Millie’s Dog Rescue, 9030 West Sahara Ave. #384, Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, 3711 Sunset Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89120