Robert Roper Crouch, beloved son, husband, brother, cousin, and friend passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023. A witness to the resurrection service will be held Thursday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC, with visitation in Jackson Hall following the service. Reverend David H. Lauten will be officiating.

The only son of Perry Crouch and Lelia Byars, Roper was born April 9, 1984. He graduated from A.C. Flora High School and attended Francis Marion University. In 2006, Roper became a United States Marine and went on to serve a tour of duty in Iraq. Roper loved the Marine Corps, and he especially loved his Marine brothers. Their friendship was deep, abiding, and important to him for the rest of his life. In October of 2021, Roper married the love of his life, Miriam (Murm) Sheldon, and became a husband and step-father. His wedding day was the best day of his life, and he treasured his wife and little daughter.

Tender, funny, and kind, Roper was an unusual mix of Southern gentleman and no-nonsense Marine.

Women, men, and children alike loved him. He was polite and inclusive, greeting acquaintances with a firm handshake and, "Roper Crouch, nice to meet you." His loyalty to his friends and family was absolute, and he never gave up on anyone. As a teenager, Roper was the Pied Piper of the neighborhood with the younger children following him around and wanting him to be their babysitter because he was so much fun. Roper was also a Christian, believing firmly in the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He made his profession of faith as a child and was baptized by Dr. Joe B. Donaho at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. As a member there, Roper became a Boy Scout and later participated in a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico.

Roper had the best smile, gave the best hugs, and will be missed by everyone who was privileged to know him. He was predeceased by his grandparents and his step-father Andy Byars. He is survived by his wife Murm, step-daughter Alli, mother Lelia Byars, father Perry Crouch, sister Brittany Crouch, step-sister Beth Hray (Trevor), step-brother Jimmy Byars (Kelley), and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family is grateful to the incredibly generous, compassionate, and gifted Dr. Bradley Word for his care of Roper. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: info@hiddenwounds.org
4711 Forest Drive, Suite 3 Box 317, Columbia, SC 29206. www.hiddenwounds.org