Billy Dean Cruse, 86, of Ellisville, MO was born September 6, 1934 in Carterville, IL, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Verba Aline Cruse. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy (nee Cannady) Cruse; children, Clint (Lynne) Cruse, Dawn (Greg) Malcolm, and Darren Cruse; grandchildren, Justin Cruse, Andrea (Kristian) Gumminger, and Kendall (Nathaniel) Hamilton; great granddaughter, Sophie Gumminger; and sister, Mary (Richard) Collins.
Bill was a good provider who worked very hard and proudly as a Union painter to support his family. While he was a disciplinarian as his children were being raised, he was also fun-loving, always laughing, and making other people laugh. In his free time, he enjoyed quail hunting and fishing. Bill also enjoyed golfing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He and Peggy enjoyed many days at Lost Valley Lake and Lake Wappapello fishing and spending quality time together. Bill’s big heart and sense of humor will most certainly be missed.
Bill will be laid to rest at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in a private service for immediate family and a memorial service will be held at Alexander White Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann at a later date when COVID restrictions are lifted. The family appreciates memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, Lighting the Path, and Lighthouse for the Blind. Please share a memory in the guest book at www.alexanderstlouis.com.