Robert A. Cruce

Robert Allen Cruce of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Monday, April 7, 2008 at the age of 86. He was married for 58 years to Margaret Bender Cruce. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Cruce Bass. He is survived by his wife; one son, Stephen Bender Cruce and his wife, Dr. Patricia Siuta-Cruce of Montvale, NJ, and one daughter, Elizabeth Cruce Alvarez and her husband, Lamberto Alvarez, of Southlake, TX; three grandchildren, Kirby Marie Cruce, Nolan Oliver Cruce and Veronica Elinor Alvarez. Mr. Cruce received an undergraduate degree from Hendrix College in Conway, AR, and a master's in music from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II in Scotland, France and Italy and participated in the Normandy invasion. He was on the music faculty at Lindenwood College (now University) from 1952 to 1962. He continued his education by becoming a Certified Life Underwriter and a Certified Property and Casualty Underwriter. He worked as Risk Manager for the Bank of St. Louis and Boatmans Bank in St. Louis until his retirement 1986. He played the viola in the Philharmonic Orchestra of St. Louis and in the St. Charles County Symphony Orchestra from its inception until age and ill health forced his retirement. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles. His body was cremated and a graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 10, at St. Charles Memorial Gardens, 3950 West Clay, St. Charles, Missouri. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church of St. Charles and to the St. Charles County Symphony Orchestra.