Charles Cruse

DONGOLA, Ill. -- Charles Oliver Cruse, 80, of Dongola died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 4, 1924, in Union County, son of Harry G. and Melle Bartsch Cruse. He and Leota Smith were married Oct. 18, 1947, in Union County.

Cruse retired from Southern Illinois Electric Co-op and was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of First Baptist Church and American Legion.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Gerald Cruse of Dongola, Gaylon Cruse of Anna, Ill.; a brother, Carl Cruse of Elgin, Ill.; three sisters, Mary Moreland and Barbara Penrod of Anna, Grace Clark of Gainesville, Fla.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and a sister.

Friends may call at Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Ill., from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery, with military rites by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 of Anna.