Elwyn Shafer Krous

Aug. 3, 1915 - March 21, 2010

INDIANOLA -- Elwyn "Al" Krous was born on Aug. 3, 1915, to Ruth Marie Shafer and Winfield Caswell Krous in La Crosse, Idaho, and died on March 21, 2010, in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Washington and finally to Medford, Ore., where he graduated high school. He received his Bachelor's of Science degree in agricultural engineering from Oregon State University in 1940 and then worked in Long Beach, Calif. He subsequently served in the United States Army during World War II, during which time he singlehandedly captured several German soldiers. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant on April 28, 1946.

He then worked for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation first in Grand Island and then in Indianola where he met and married Elizabeth Deffer Krous on March 27, 1954; their marriage lasted 50 years. Al finished his career as the head of the Bureau's Hydrology Engineering Division at its Regional Office in Boulder City, Nev., before retiring in Indianola where he remained active in the Methodist Church, American Legion, and the Rotary. He was also a 43-year member of the Elks in McCook.

He was devoted to his faith, family, country and Indianola.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and sons, Philip Anthony and Kenneth Elwyn.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Henry F. Krous and Karen of San Diego, Calif.; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of Oklahoma City and Edmond, Okla.

Memorials may be made to the Elwyn and Elizabeth Krous Scholarship at the McCook Community College or of one's choice.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 25, 2010, 2 p.m., at the Indianola United Methodist Church with Pastor Lance Clay officiating. Burial will be in the Indianola Cemetery.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements