John M. Cruce, (heretofore Dad), 100, passed away July 27th in Belton, MO. He was born Jan 10th 1916 in a farmhouse near Urich, MO to James G. and Mary Ingham Cruce.

He spent most of his childhood days growing up in the Urich, Clinton area except for four years in Canada. Dad graduated from Urich High School in 1934 and spent the next four years working different jobs in North Dakota and Illinois. He joined the Navy at age 22 and spent the next 7 years there. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor and a veteran of 6 other naval battles during the war. He served during the war as a fire controlman aboard the destroyer USS Dale DD 353. Eventually attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

While serving in the navy, he met Mattie Catherine Thomas who was serving in the Coast Guard, and after a whirlwind romance of 6 weeks, they were married Dec. 10th 1944. After being discharged from their respective services, they moved to Bates County, MO where they were farmers until retirement. To this union 5 children were born: Marshall, Larry, Mary Kay, Linda, and Robin.

Upon retirement, they moved to Clinton and lived there until Mom became ill. They then moved to Knob Noster, MO. After Mom passed, Dad continued to live there until he went to the nursing home in July, 2016.

Dad had 4 loves: family, farming, the navy, and railroads, not necessarily in that order. Dad loved to tell stories and reminisce about the "good ol' days." He also loved to talk about his experiences in the navy and if you listened to him long enough, he would probably tell you how he single-handedly won WWII all by himself.

There was no pretense about Dad. What you see was what you got. He was the same to you whether you were a king or a vagabond. When you had a conversation with him, you only listened. It was hard to get a word in. He was also very opinionated, and usually if you disagreed with him, you were wrong. He had a disdain for doctors, lawyers, and hospitals. He also had a ready supply of home remedies.

Dad could fix anything. In fact, he was the unofficial blacksmith and mechanic in the neighborhood. All this at no charge. He even rigged up a generator when he was on leave from the navy so his sister could have a light for her to use to study. Dad also loved to sing, badly, but he still loved it.

Dad is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mattie, brothers George, Bill, Gene, and Bud; His sisters Francis and Czerrna Bye. He also is preceded in death by a son Larry, and 2 great grandchildren; Kayla Self and Christian Morris.

He is survived by a sister Catherine Freytag, 4 children Marshall (Valerie) Cruce of Cleveland, MO, Mary Kay (Pete Self) of Harrisonville, MO, Linda Vansandt of Belton, MO, and Robin (Scott) Gorman of Seattle; WA, one daughter-in-law, Joanna; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

Dad will be sorely missed by many, and the World is a better place for him having been in it.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 6th at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, MO at 11:00am. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Vansant Road Cemetery, Clinton, MO. He will be buried with full military honors and laid to rest beside his wife of 57 years. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the USO and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Services have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.