Willie Earl "Pete" Cruse

A service to honor the life of Pete Cruse will be held at 2 pm on Friday, October 7, 2022 at Jennings Chapel CMC near Marthaville, LA. Burial will follow at Marthaville Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis. The family will receive friends from 11 am until service time on Friday the 7th at Jennings Chapel. Willie Earl “Pete” Cruse of Marthaville, passed away at his home on October 5, 2022 at the age of 78. He was born on June 6, 1944 in Farmerville, LA to Earl and Eula B. Cruse of Farmerville, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Eula Cruse; son, Albert (Brother) Graves; great grandson, Abram Smith; brothers, Lee Sonny Cruse, Jim Cruse, Charles Cruse, and Eugene Cruse; sisters, Reacy McNeese, Mary Walker, and Carolyn Marks. He is survived by his wife, Melba Jordan Cruse of Marthaville, LA; son, Stacy Cruse and wife Kristen of Marthaville, LA; daughters, Ponda Broadway and husband Kevin of Robeline, LA; Ronda Raines and husband Bill of Marthaville, LA, Fonda Russell and husband Bryan of Florien, LA, Denise Smith and husband Lonnie of Marthaville, LA, and Ann Hodges and husband Jeffery of Farmerville, LA; brothers, Stanley Cruse and Billy Joe Cruse both of Bernice, LA; sisters, Sharon McDaniel of Shongaloo, LA, and Dwanna Hunnicutt of Missouri City, TX; 21 grandkids, 58 great grandkids, and 2 great-great grandkids; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pete retired from the Forestry Industry some years ago, but never stopped working, as was evident by his many “side hustles”. Never one to shy away from hard work, his work ethic was impeccable and this was something that he strived to instill in his children. His love for his children and grandchildren was unmatched. He supported each in any endeavor they had. Pete managed his many illnesses with strength and grace. Always thankful for the help of his wife, children and care giving team. Pete loved large... and was completely loved by many... He will be forever missed. Rest easy now Paw. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Adam Graves, Josh Clark, Dustin Meshell, Kenneth Downs, Sean Bass, Dillon Duty, and Fred Graves. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronny Arterberry and Terry Dale Jordan.