ROBERT JORDAN CRUSE, SR.
1939-2021
Early in the morning on November 16, 2021, Robert Jordan Cruse, Sr. passed away in Anderson, Texas at age 81. Recently his daughter and son-in-law took his ashes to his final resting solace in Arizona. Bob lived in Arizona well over forty years of his life. It was fitting to have a private interment and place him next to his son at St. Barnabas on the Desert Memorial Garden in Scottsdale.
Bob was born on December 28,1939 to Jordan Hodges Cruse and Edith Tellia Cruse in Wyandotte, Michigan. After high school Bob went into the Marine Corps and was a member of their performing Marine Corps band. Upon his completion of service, he traveled throughout Europe by motorcycle before going to college at Michigan State University. There he met Carolee Sande and they graduated together and were married in 1963. Traveling in an old VW bus they drove across the country to Tucson, Arizona. Bob pursued his law degree and Carolee her Masters at the University of Arizona. After passing the Arizona State Bar exam and securing a job with the Maricopa County Attorney, they moved to Phoenix. In a short time, Bob went into private practice. Bob and Carolee were married 38 years and raised their two children in the Phoenix, Paradise Valley and Scottsdale area during that time.
After Bob retired, sometime in 2006 he left Arizona to be close to his daughter, son-in-law, and his four grandchildren who lived in Temecula, California. Bob lived on his boat in the San Diego Harbor enjoying many sunsets and dolphin encounters while there. In 2011
Bob followed his daughter and son-in-law to Texas. He wanted to still be ever present in the lives of his “grands” and continue sharing his knowledge of music, writing, and wood working with them as well. Soon he met Texan Barbara Baklik and they married in 2015. Bob or Papa or Poppa B as he was fondly called was welcomed by Barbara’s large and growing family. His life was even more blessed.
Bob will be remembered fondly by all his silly songs, trumpet solos, HEB fudge runs, practical jokes, pranks, crockpot stews, handmade leather western belts, leather sheathes, personalized knives with hand carved handles, heirloom woodworking including jewelry boxes, humidors, furniture, cradle, rocking horse, and snow sled.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Jordan and Edith Cruse; his wife, Barbara Baklik Cruse; and his son, R.J. (Robert Jordan Cruse, Jr.).
Bob is survived by his sister, Janice Lee Finizio and her husband, Tobin along with their extensive family. His first wife, Carolee Sande Cruse Rosin; his daughter, Lisa Sande Cruse Jones and her husband; Jeffrey Thomas Jones, Sr.; granddaughter, ChristyAnn Sande Righi; grandson, JT (Jeffrey Thomas Jones, Jr.); grandson, Parker Thomas Jones; grandson, Levi Thomas
Jones; granddaughter, Carissa Danbury and husband, Ched; great grandson, Caleb Danbury; great granddaughter, Maeve Danbury; grandson, Coty Cruse; grandson, Jordan Cruse; great granddaughter, Rose Cruse; stepson, Jay Baklik and wife, Amy; stepdaughter, Donna McDonald and husband, Marvin; stepdaughter, Debra Rockman and husband, Steven; stepdaughter, Lori Teague and husband, Johnny.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given in memory of Bob to the Gary Sinise foundation which serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/