Virgil Dean Cruse, 91, of White Cloud, KS passed away peacefully at home Wednesday afternoon, February 4, 2026.
Virgil was born May 19, 1934, in Sparks, KS of Isaac Leonard Cruse and Fannie Lee (Hammond) Cruse. He attended school in Sparks and White Cloud. Virgil served as mayor of White Cloud and on the City Counsel. He worked at Armour Packing Company for 32 years and numerous jobs in the area. Additionally, he enjoyed car maintenance, groundskeeping his land, and was self-employed in aggregate hauling. Above all, Virgil was a devoted husband, father, and public servant of Foster Memorial Church.
Virgil married Grace Elizabeth Foster, July 24, 1955, in White Cloud. Virgil and Grace celebrated 58 years of marriage until her death in March of 2012.
Left to cherish his memories are 2 sons: Gregory “Dean” Cruse and Sean Cruse of Lawrence; 2 daughters: Virbeth Cruse of White Cloud, Rebecca Cruse of Lawrence; 7 grandchildren: Zlane Cruse, Andron Cruse, Stephen Webb II, Tylesa Bonnett, Keshana Cook, Bria Cruse, Kayla Cook; 13 great-grandchildren: Jaylen, Aahliya, Mila, Caschen, Dokken, Remi, Skarlet, Diiem, Amir, Carlone, Savior, Navanii, and Niovani; and a host of relatives and friends.
Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Grace, daughter Yvette Cook, parents; brothers: Arvin, Louis, Byron “Barney”, Myron, Rick; sisters: Bernice Shane, June Gaskins, Norma Shane, Priscilla “Teedie” Kirby, Louise Brewer; grandson Conner Cook; and great-grandson Loushus Cruse.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday.
A Celebration of Virgil’s eternal life is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, February 13, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Private family burial at Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud.
The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions are suggested help with funeral expenses and left in care of the funeral home.
