SAM RAY KRUSE
1938-2022
Sam Ray Kruse passed away on January 5, 2022, at age 83. He was a devoted husband, friend, teacher, stepdad, grandpa, and coach. He was born on April 20, 1938, in Yoakum, Texas, to Grace Myer and Sam Kruse.
After graduating from Yoakum High School in 1957, he began his college career at Victoria Jr. College where he ran track. He graduated from McNeese State College, where he earned a track scholarship. He received his Master’s degree in Education from Prairie View A&M. He also enjoyed attending history courses at Rice University.
Sam coached track and football and taught history at M.B. Smiley High School for 20 years. In 1984, he moved to Aldine High School where he coached track and cross country and taught history for another 21 years, before retiring in 2004.
It was at Aldine High School where Sam met and married Mary Jo, the assistant librarian. They shared a love of traveling, music, movies, and cats. They were married for 34 happy years.
During his career, Sam earned Aldine High School’s Teacher of the Year award in 1990 and in 2002 he was inducted into the Gulf Coast Track Coaches Hall of Fame. In addition, he won numerous district track championships and inspired many students.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Grace Myers
Kruse, and father, Sam Kruse, and his brother, Bill Alkek.
Sam is survived by his wife Mary Jo, two stepdaughters, and their families: Kathryn Manske and her husband Galan and children Lauren, Christopher, Emily, Reagan, and Connor; Kala Schlaegel and husband Todd and son Dylan.
The family wishes to thank Altus Hospice for the caring and support which helped them get through this stressful time. A special thank you to Nurse Natalie for her exceptional care.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will follow and begin promptly at 10:00 AM in the Grand Chapel at Brookside followed by burial at Hebron Cemetery in Yoakum, Texas.