Dateline: June 5, 2008

Donnie Cruse, 60, of Flomot, died Sunday, June 1, 2008, after a five year battle with melanoma.

Services were held at Flomot Church of Christ on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at 10 a.m. with Gerald Bedwell and J. Henderson officiating. Graveside services followed at Flomot Cemetery under the direction of Seigler Funeral Home.

He was born October 3, 1947, in Matador, to Ray and Tommie Jo Cruse. He graduated from Flomot High School in 1964, received an Associate Degree from Clarendon College, then a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in 1970. He married his sweetheart and lifelong companion, Judy Lynn Pitts at Matador on October 4, 1968. They lived in College Station, Slaton, Lubbock, and Plainview before moving back to Flomot in 1978, where he lived his life as a farmer, rancher, and family man. Although he had many hobbies and interests, his passion was serving God and his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his kids and grandchildren.

Donnie and Judy have five children: Regina and her husband, Chad Seward of Goldthwaite, Brand and Jodi Cruse of Turkey, Chancy and Christie Cruse of Clarendon, Roegan Cruse of Flomot, and Talon and Chris Cruse of Flomot. They have seven grandchildren: Allison, Quaid, and Macy Seward; Branson, Baylor and Brayson Cruse; Colton Cruse, and another Baby Cruse expected in October.

He is also survived by his mother, Tommie Jo Cruse, brother Darrell Cruse and his wife Brenda, sisters Darla and husband James Gwinn, Deidra and husband Larry Clifton, Derinda and husband Mark Patton, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous good friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Ray Cruse, and his grandparents.

The family requests that memorials be made to Flomot Cemetery Association or Hospice Hands of West Texas, which has been immensely helpful and supportive in our time of need.