L.K. "Keith" Crouch

DYER CHAPEL - Lewis Keith Crouch, known professionally as L.K. and to family as Keith, passed away at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on the afternoon of Monday November 17, surrounded by his loving family.

L.K. was born on June 6, 1959 in Paducah, KY at Western Baptist Hospital to Bobby and Sarah Crouch. L.K. graduated Paducah Tilghman High School in 1977. After high school, L.K. worked several jobs including KYDOT before deciding to continue his education. L.K. graduated Murray State University in 1984 with a B.S. in Geology. He then attended University of Missouri Rolla where he earned a B.S. in Geological Engineering, his Masters of Geological Engineering in 1986, then completed his PhD in Civil Engineering in 1990.

In 1983, L.K. married the love of his life, Rita Sellars. The couple had two daughters, Rachel and Hannah.

L.K. became a professor of Civil Engineering at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, TN where he worked for 35 years. He particularly enjoyed working to impart his knowledge in the dozens of graduate students with whom he was blessed to work.

L.K was a devout Christian of the Primitive Baptist faith who did his best to raise his girls according to his convictions.

A life-long lover of music, particularly ELO and other 70's Rock, L.K. also loved traveling, sports, strategy games, Sci-fi, and wood working.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder B.G. Crouch and Mrs. Sarah Crouch of Paducah, KY, one brother, Jon M. Crouch of Paducah, KY, a dear uncle, after whom he was named, Elmer L. Crouch, of Paducah, his paternal grandparents, Elmer F, and Ethel Crouch, his maternal grandparents, Leonard and Sue Scallions, several other beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rita Sellars Crouch, of Cookeville, TN, his daughter, Rachel (Michael) Halliburton of Tullahoma, TN, and Hannah Crouch of Crossville, TN, and his sister, Shari Arnett of Paducah, KY.

Services will be held at Dyer Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner on Saturday Nov. 22, 2025. Visitation will be from 11-1, with services immediately following. Burial will be at West Cemetery.  Graduate students serving as pallbearers are Heather Brown, Ben Byard, Aaron Crowley, Landon Davis, Tyler Hughes, Alex Kelley, Sam Mathews, and John Pearson. Honorary pallbearers are L.K.'s numerous graduate students with whom he enjoyed working with over the past 35 years.

If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family suggests the ALS Association, Crossroads Community Church or Wilhite Baptist Church; both churches are in Cookeville, TN.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.