JOE WINN CROUSEN, JR., 71, passed away July 27,
2012, with burial was at the Woodson Cemetery in
Abilene, TX.
Joe was born in Quantico, VA, the son of Joe Winn
Crousen Sr. and Ruby Earl Camp Crousen. He grew
up in Breckenridge where he graduated from high school
in 1959. He was forever proud to be a Breckenridge
Buckaroo. Joe's passion for the sport of football
began at a young age. His high school football career
was decorated with all-state honors when he played
guard and linebacker on the 1958 State Championship
team that was coached by the legendary Emory Bellard.
After high school, Joe attended San Angelo Jr. College
on a football scholarship, and then spent a semester
at McMurry University before going to Alpine to play
football for Sul Ross State University where he finished
his BS degree and started his coaching career as an
assistant in charge of defensive backs.
Coach Crousen touched the lives of many young men in
all the years and all the places he coached football.
His successful career saw stops at R.L. Turner High
School in Carrollton, Big Spring High School where he
coached under Spike Dykes, Athens High School, Deer
Park High School, Mississippi State University where
he coached for his mentor Emory Bellard, Ranger Jr.
College (late 80s-early 90s), Clack Middle School,
Cooper High School where helped lead the team to play
for the State Championship in 1996, & McMurry University.
During his career, he also coached in the Green Belt
Bowl and the 1997 Texas High School All-Star Football
Game.
Joe was a lifetime member of the Texas High School Coaches
Association, the Texas State Teacher's Association, and
the American Football Coaches Association. In May of
this year, Joe was extremely proud and excited to be
inducted in to the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame.
Joe enjoyed hunting, driving his bulldozer and ranching.
He was an active member of the River of Life Church
where he enjoyed serving as a host home for Anchor Groups.
Survivors at the time of his death, include his wife
Barbara Crousen of Abilene; his children, Kevin Crousen
and wife Emily of Abilene, Kerri Morris and husband
Greg of Plano, and Tamra Hilborn and husband Charles
of LaPorte; seven grandchildren, Stealey & Ruby Crousen,
Cooper, Claire and Carson Morris, Foster & Levi Hilborn;
and one brother, Guinn Dale Crousen and wife Betsy of
Highland Park.