Ernest August Cruwell Jr.

Ernest August Cruwell, Jr., 90, passed in independence Missouri on June 23rd, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Independence, Missouri on August 12th, 1935 to Ernest A Cruwell, Sr. and Blanche E Spaulding-Cruwell.

Ernest is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia J (Borgman) Cruwell; parents, Ernest and Blanche Cruwell; and his ½ brother, Norman Bethke.

Ernest married his bride, Patricia J. Borgman, in 1956 after 4 years of dating, soon they were a family of four. Sheryl Lynn Cruwell and Ernest August Cruwell III completed the family. Just three months shy of their 50th wedding Anniversary, Patricia passed after a yearlong battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Ernest was raised on a farm that was located where most people would recognize as I-70/Noland Road, 35th Street/Phelps Road and 40 Hwy. His love of farming and raising cattle and hogs never left.

As a young married man, he purchased a company called Portable Steam Cleaning. They cleaned and repaired grocery carts. He designed one of the first “Cart Corrals” to hold carts in the parking lots. As he listened to his customers’ need for a folding Corral that would be easier for shipping, he patented his own version and was awarded a US Patent.

He was featured in the Kansas City Business Journal with a multi-page article. It featured his design and he was quoted as saying, “You can take this cart and shove it!”

In 1997 he was awarded by Entrepreneur Magazine, Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Missouri, and was awarded as one of the only 75 awards given. He was recognized for his innovation. Ernie’s Shopping Cart Specialties was added to the business model.

Beyond his business, Ernie loved his family, fishing and hunting with friends and family. With his Church family, he was a “Jack of all trades” at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, repairing furnaces, mowing the grass, ushering and leading the congregation as President of the Church Council. He was Alderman for Bates City Missouri and let us never forget his 4-H Ribbons.

Ernie grew up with a half brother on their farm in Independence. Norman passed in the early 1960’s in a tragic accident. Ernie always dearly loved and looked out for his niece’s long distance. He was so pleased to maintain those relationships with them until his passing. Myrna Bethke Pulley and Wendy Bethke Johnson were his special gifts.

Ernie also loved his two nieces from his sister-in-law and brother- in- law William C Kelly and Thelma J (Borgman) Kelly. His nieces are Teri L (Kelly) Burnham (Spouse-Ken) and Laura (Kelly) Repass (Spouse Jack).

Ernie’s grandchildren were his “pride and joy”. Danielle N (Jegen) Smith with husband Chad and the great-granddaughters Mara Beth Smith and Lauren A Smith. Chad M Jegen (Kim), along with great grandsons Carter D Jegen, Cooper M Jegen and Gus Schaedler; Joseph M Cruwell, wife Andrea, with great grandson Julian A Cruwell-Yuma, great granddaughters Layla M Cruwell, and Emma M Cruwell and great grandson Blake A Mullins. Ashley (Cruwell) Bigham husband Ryan with great granddaughter Lucy Jean Marie Bigham, great grandson Ryley S Bigham and great granddaughter Lainey Jane Marie Bigham.

Visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, on June 29, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Graveside Service will take place at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133 on June 29, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.