Cruce, Claude E., 77 of Altamonte Springs, FL passed from this life on June 5th, 2017 as a result of complications following an automobile accident on March 7, 2017.
Claude was born on June 1, 1940 in Ocala, FL as a third generation Marion County resident. Claude dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of the State of Florida, serving as a career law enforcement officer. He served 4 ½ years with the Florida Highway Patrol before joining the Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Agency for 39 years.
Claude was a dedicated family man, he believed in the importance of a strong family bond. He made certain to keep in contact with not only his siblings and their children, but their children’s children as well as cousins. He especially loved spending time with his great-grandchildren, they became the light in his eyes whenever they entered the room and the first person they wanted to be with was their beloved PaPa.
He was an avid bowler and golfer having rolled numerous 300 games. Claude organized monthly lunches with his old classmates as well putting together the Ocala High Schools Class of 1959’s memory book; and worked diligently to locate and make contact with any missing classmates.
Claude was predeceased by his parents James Rufus and Pearl C. Wade Cruce, sibilings Ella Mae Modlin, James E. Cruce, Leona P. Jennings, Delsie P. Harlow and Arthur H. “Buddy” Cruce. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Dianne Campbell Cruce, daughter Debra “Debbie” Simpkins (Steve), Grandchildren, Justin Sheffield (Annie) of Charlotte, NC, Erik Quanme (Brittany) of LaCrosse, WI, Matthew Sheffield (Deanna Rankin) of Altamonte Springs, Stephanie Sheffield (Tyler Lesage) of Winter Springs, brother Joseph M. Cruce (Dot) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Cruce will be held on Saturday, June 10th, 2017 in the Roberts Funeral Homes Downtown Chapel at 3:00pm. The family will receive friends starting one hour prior at 2:00pm. Interment will be private in Highlands Memorial Park.
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