Buddy Kruse
Dorman Ray “Buddy” Kruse, 93, of Crystal City, died on July 20, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio after a brief bout with COVID-19.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 343 N. Getty St. in Uvalde.
He was born on Sept. 1, 1929, in Mason to Veda (Butler) and John William Kruse.
Kruse grew up on the family farm, spending his childhood and early adult life in Mason. He graduated from Mason High School in 1946 and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his time in Korea, he returned home to Mason to begin what was a lifelong career in farming.
He learned to weld and designed a peanut threshing machine to help him harvest his peanut crops.
In 1963, he moved his family to Batesville to continue his farming career. He farmed at various locations throughout Zavala County until his retirement from active farming around 2014.
He continued to tinker with his welding, still working on his tractors and various building projects until shortly before his death. The family said Kruse was known to be extremely resourceful in building, repairing and adapting various farm implements to fit his needs. There was rarely a repair or improvement project he could not devise and complete.
He is survived by his companion of 25 years, Crystal Rose of Crystal City; three sons, Don Kruse of Crystal City, Ray Kruse and wife, Sherri, of George West, and Tom Kruse of San Antonio; three daughters, Lisa Mumme and husband, Sherman, and Jo-Anna Kruse, both of Uvalde, and Sandi Nelson and husband, Gary, of Mont Belvieu; 10 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Helen Taylor, Theresa Baker, Bonnie Hannah, Lola Hohn, and Pearlene Segars; and two grandsons, Michael Mumme and Caleb Kruse.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 343 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801. Cremation was under the direction of Hardin Mortuary Services of San Antonio.
