Alfonzo Al Cruz's Obituary
Alfonzo “Al” Cruz, Jr., son of Alfonzo Cruz, Sr. and Isabel Montemayor Cruz, was born November 6, 1934, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, June 15, 2009, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-four years, seven months, and nine days. On April 28, 1961, he was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Sheets, and to this union three sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Johnny Manuel Cruz; and a sister, Filomena Cruz. Al is survived by his wife, Kay, of the home; three sons, Alfonzo Cruz, III, and his wife, Jacquelyn, of Lebanon, Missouri, Robert Andrew Cruz, and his wife, Lori, of Conway, Missouri, and Anthony Cruz, and his wife, Trena, of Joplin, Missouri; six grandchildren, Joel, Santana, McKenna, Alyssa, Justin, and Caedon; two step-grandchildren, Matt and Nate; four brothers, Ralph Cruz, and his wife, Juanita, of Canon City, Colorado, Alex Cruz, and his wife, Jan, of Firestone, Colorado, Floyd Cruz, and his wife, Joyce, of Savannah, Missouri, and Sylvester Cruz, and his wife, Carol, of St. Joseph, Missouri; five sisters, Mary Lou Ashworth, Agnes Gerard, Genny Cruz, Patty Westhoff, and her husband, Roger, all of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Tina Donovan, and her husband, Phil, of Mesa, Arizona; a number of nieces and nephews; four brothers-in-law, Stanley Sheets, and his wife, Darlene, Kenny Sheets, and his wife, Joann, John Sheets, and his wife, Rosie, and Mike Sheets, and his wife, Sherry; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951, and served his country faithfully in the Korean War. During his time in the military, he was stationed overseas for twenty-six months, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant, in 1954. After he and Kay were married, they made their home in Lebanon, Missouri, and lovingly raised their sons. Al was employed as a department foreman for the Independent Stave Company for sixteen years. In 1976, he joined the Lebanon Police Department and retired with the rank of Sergeant in 1999. During those years, he held many jobs within the department and was the first police officer to retire from the city. Shortly after retiring, Al went to work with the Laclede County Sheriff’s Department as a court bailiff, but soon had to retire because of health reasons. Al made his profession of faith in Christ in 1964, and was a longtime member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. He enjoyed the fellowship his church offered. He had been active in working with youth and had coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball for several years. He also loved playing and watching sports throughout his life. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Al was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated public servant, and a good friend. Services will be held at 2:00 pm om Thursday June 18, 2009 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Lebanon. Burial will be in the McBride Cemetery. Friends may call to the funeral home at their convieniance under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. Two Memorials have been established one to the Missouri Diabetes Association or to the Curry Cancer center. Donation may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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