Curtis Ray Cruse, Jr., 35, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023.
He was born May 29, 1988 in St. Joseph to Curtis Ray Cruse, Sr. and Diane Louise Ginn.
Curtis grew up in St. Joseph, graduating from Lafayette High School. He was a standout athlete in football, basketball and track at Lafayette, setting many school records and earning a spot on the All-State Football Team.
Sports continued to be a big part of life for Curtis after high school. He loved bowling, playing on a dart league and softball team, refereeing for youth sports and coaching his young daughters’ teams.
He also was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs and LSU Tigers football fan.
He married Rave’ne Symone Davis on September 15, 2018. She survives of the home.
Curtis had just finished his first week of a carpentry apprentice program. He also helped out at the family business, Smoking Hill BBQ, and was an avid smoker and griller on his own, especially for gatherings on July 4th, his favorite holiday.
He was a longtime member of Faith Family Worship Center, where he was baptized.
Curtis was loved by everyone. He was respectful, courteous, helpful and a joy to be around, giving his trademark huge smile to all. He demonstrated and practiced wonderful fathering skills, and loved his children dearly.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Trella Dudley-Ide; paternal grandparents, Angela and Byron Cruse; and maternal grandfather, Truman Ginn.
Survivors include his wife, Rave’ne; children, Kylah, Jaxson, Cyia, Nylah, and Cali Cruse; parents, Diane Graves, Johnny Graves and Curtis Ray Cruse, Sr.; maternal grandmother, Helen Ginn; siblings, Darryl Hughes (Shea), Duran Hughes, Johnny Chapple, Rayetta Riggs, Kristi Sorrells, Makayla and Colton Cruse, and Chelsi Cruse; in-laws, Tyrone Davis (Stephanie); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends; and his beloved dog, Queen.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Word of Life Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
