J. E. Cruse

February 9, 1923 - February 9, 2004

J.E.Cruse, age 81 of Lindsay, Ok., passed away on February 9, 2004, after a lengthy illness. J.E. was born, May 6th, 1922 in Alex, Okla. to Joseph Emmitt and Gertrude Ramsey Cruse. He graduated from Lindsay High School in 1940. In 1941 he joined the United States Navy and served until 1945 as a pilot during WWII. He returned home to Lindsay to marry Lora Lee Conner on June 1st, 1947. J.E. worked in the Dry Goods business for over 40 years. He owned and operated Cruse Department Store in Lindsay from 1960 to 1985. He retired in 1985 to enjoy his passion for golf. J.E. was a longtime member and Deacon at Lindsay?s First Baptist Church and an active member of the Lindsay Rotary Club. He was preceded in death by his one sister, Florine Cates. J.E. is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lora Lee, and three children. Connie Cowan and her husband, Bill of Lindsay, J.E. Cruse, Jr., and his wife Cindy of Joplin, Mo., Tony Cruse and his wife Jane of Okla. City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by six grandchildren. Leslie Cowan of Bedford, Texas. Greg (and Anna) Cowan of Tulsa, Oklahoma. J.E. III, (and Terrla) Cruse of Joplin, Mo. Jennifer (and Tim) Long of Joplin, MO. Lindsay Cruse and Anthony Cruse, Jr., of Okla. City, one great grandson, Miller Long of Joplin, MO. Services will be held at the 1st Baptist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma at 10:30 a.m. on February 12, 2004. Interment will be at Green Hill Cemetery Lindsay, Oklahoma. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Cruse are under the direction B. G. Boydston Funeral Home, 308 SW Third Street, Lindsay, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family via our online website at www.boydstonfuneralhome.com