Byron Eugen Cruse, Jr. was born September 29, 1945 in St. Joseph, Missouri and grew up in White Cloud, Kansas. He was born into a large family of Cruses and Fosters. He was the oldest of his mother and fathers’s children. Family and friends called him Little Barney.
He developed his work ethic early in life by being the first one to wake, chop the firewood and light the fire. At the age of 10, the mayor of White Cloud caught Little Barney driving Grandpa Maylon’s pick up. The mayor sent him home to park his grandpa’s pickup and told him to never get caught driving it again.
In the teen years, Barney developed his skill in basketball. He attended Highland High School and was named Kansas All-State in basketball. Then it was off to Highland Jr. College, but in Barney’s words he was too smart for school, and got drafted into the Army. He was an infantryman and heavy equipment operator. He served in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
Upon his return to St. Joseph, Barney was a fireman until he relocated to Omaha. Barney, now Byron to his Omaha friends, became an over the road truck driver. As he neared retirement, Byron opted to become an Omaha city bus driver. He retired in June 2012 and still loving the road, roamed the country in his RV. Following heart surgery in 2017, Byron chose to stay put in Lincoln.
Here are a few of the many endearing facts about Byron:
Fierce protector of those he loved.
Knew every highway and mile marker
Never met a stranger.
Knew how to shine a pair of shoes.
Would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar in his wallet.
Avid collector of fancy rods and reels, but never saw him clean a fish.
Loved R&B and the Blues.
A celebration of Barney's eternal life is planned for 2:30 p.m. October 11, 2024, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Pastor Regina Stillman will officiate.
The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.
Friends may call at the funeral home to sign the register book starting Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
