Lee Roy Cruse

Lee Roy Cruse passed away on Sunday, June 19th, 2022. He was 88.

Lee was born on December 27th, 1933 in Inola, Oklahoma to Art and Elsie (Jacob) Cruse. He was raised in Inola and attended school at Gregory and later Inola, where he dropped out to join the Marine Corps at the age of 17.

After joining the Marine Corps in 1951 he was shipped out to fight in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1963 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. On April 19, 1954 he married the love of his life, Shirley Ruth Minor, and the couple made their home in California and Oklahoma.

Lee and Shirley had 45 wonderful years together before Shirley passed away in 1999. After Shirley passed away, Lee retired from Dana Corp in Vinita, where he had a long career as a machinist. Lee returned to Claremore in 2015 and lived there until his passing.

In his spare time he enjoyed his cattle and farming. He loved to hunt and fish and loved animals and animals always loved him. He loved gardening and could grow about anything. He took great pride in growing the biggest and best. He loved his family and loved spending time with them. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters Sherry McCuistian and husband Randy, Kay Burrus and husband Steven; son Bobby Cruse; 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley, and daughter Cathy Cruse.

Private family services are scheduled for a later date.