Deacon Robert Cruse, Jr.

1929 ~ 2022

Date of Death: September 25, 2022

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Cruse family. Robert’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Deacon Robert James Cruse, Jr.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

Robert James Cruse Jr. was an awesome blessing from God on Sunday, March 10, 1929 to the late Robert and Elnora (Lisdell) Cruse Sr. in Albany, Texas. He was as well summoned by God to take his heavenly eternal rest on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was also preceded in death by his wife: Mary Ann (Houston) Cruse; one of his sons: Robert Cruse III and four sisters: Celestine “Honey Bunch” Lopez, Murline Beaver, Mary Elizabeth Holmes and Ali Faye Cruse.

Robert graduated from the Public School System in Albany, Texas. He was known by six sisters as “Brother”. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army and served for 6 years. When he returned home from the Army, he pursued a career in the Meat Processing Industry as a Butcher. One of his best friends growing up was James Williams aka “Poochue”. He was part of a Quartet with another one of his best friends, J. W. Alexander, in the Albany area. He was helpful to the children in the Albany area; he would teach them butchering and let them know that getting an education was for the betterment of their lives. He worked for John Morrell (Smithfield Foods, Inc.) and after 25 years he retired. He then worked at Kraus Construction Company for 20 years, where he “finally retired”. One of his sisters stated that he loved SWEETS, fishing, bowling, tennis, golf, and walking. His truly loved attending church and traveling.

Robert moved to Fort Smith in 1957 at the age of 28. He became a member of First Missionary Baptist Church at the old location on north 12th street. He was a faithful soldier for 65 years as a deacon. He served in many different capacities over his 65 years of service: Chairman of the Deacons, Leader of BTU, Youth Department, President of the Laymen and Sunday School teacher. He was also known for teaching the young men in the River Valley Area. He held offices in the Antioch Regular District and State Convention. His role as President of the Laymen Department made a very impressible and lasting effect upon the men in the Arkansas Regular State Convention. He was truly a servant of the LORD.

Robert will forever be cherished and remembered by his five sons: Eugene Goodman of Las Vegas, Nevada; Donald Ray (Tomeka) Goodman of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Alonzo (Gayle) Cruse of Houston, Texas, Michael (Necie) Cruse and Christopher Cruse of all three of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two sisters: Ruthiemae Cruse and Carriemae Brooks both of Abilene, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a bonus son: Donya Perry of Laveen, Arizona; a very special friend: Grace Brown of Fort Smith, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Public walk-through will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and family visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church 4916 High Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.

Committal service and final resting place will be held Monday, October 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.