Mr. Cruse was born on November 16, 1927, in Smackover, Arkansas, Don Cruse grew up in Dubach, Louisiana, with his brothers Tommy and Johnny Ray. During the Korean War, Don served in the Army and afterwards attended college, completing a Master's Degree in Economics at LSU in 1955. Don's career as an Economist spanned 35 years with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Department of Labor, U.S. Government. Hired as by the BLS as a field economist in 1955, Don held various positions during his career which culminated as one of seven Regional Comnmissioners for the BLS, 1977-1990. Don thoroughly enjoyed his work as an economist and brought a high standard of excellence, integrity, dedication, energy and commitment to his work. A great sense of humor combined with those high standards made working with him a pleasure! He received several awards during his career including two from the Department of Labor, a Meritorious Achievement Award in 1976 and a Distinguished Career Service Award in 1989. Retirement in 1990 was followed by yardwork, fishing and relaxation for two years. In 1992 at his wife Jeanne's urging, Don began volunteering at The Carter Center. Don enjoyed his volunteer work with the Resource Library, providing up-to-date press clippings for the peace programs to keep abreast of current events throughout the world. He was part of a very close knit Thursday group for 25 years and helped occasionally with special events in the evenings during his early volunteer years. Don is especially well-known there for his wonderful dancing at the annual holiday party!
Don is known as a loving "Dad" to three daughters - Charlene Alvarez, Cynthia Quinton, and Gail Bang - who will miss him greatly. He was married for 64 years to his lovely wife, Jeanne Thibodeaux Cruse. Jeanne is not looking foward to life without her handsome husband but is comforted by memories of a wonderful marriage to an extraordinary man.
Don and Jeanne had four grandchildren, Lisa Pietro, Katie McCallan, Michael Quinton, and Amy Cabbabe and eight great-grandchildren. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations in Don's name be made to Homestead Hospice 770-797-9300.
