Joseph Anthony Cruz

Joe was born on March 16, 1926 in Brownsville, Texas to Carlos Cruz and Soledad Cortez Cruz.

He served his country in the US Navy, and retired from Brinks.

Joe was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ellen Catherine Cruz; and six siblings.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Ann Cruz, whom he married on October 31, 2009; five daughters, Ellen Saltz and husband Jack of Georgia, Sherry Kroll and husband Ben of Hillside, IL, Shirley Wright and husband David of Crawfordsville, Janet Mezera and husband Vince of Florida; and Patty Cruz of Lyons, IL; a son, Jim Cruz and wife Terri of Lyons, IL; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 10 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Father John Hollowell officiating. Interment with honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2 to 6 P.M. at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, with a Rosary service at 4 P.M.

Memorials in Joe’s name may be directed to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 202 East Washington Street, Greencastle, Indiana 46135.