Richard E. Cruise

Richard E. “Dick” Cruise, 81, passed away January 25, 2013 after a short illness.

He was born in Portage County, and lived in Suffield all of his life. Dick served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and retired from Chief Freight Lines (formerly Morrison Motor Freight) in 1981 after 30 years of service. He was a member of Teamsters Local, and a 60-year member of the Forresters Club. Dick enjoyed tree farming and gardening, and took pride in growing beautiful produce. He was known for the “gift of gab” and talking to anyone who would listen.

Preceded in death by his son, Richard Matthew “Rickie”, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emma L.; sons, Timothy, Mark and Perry, all of Suffield; daughter, Tina (Keith) Patterson of Bluffton, S.C.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brother, Donald (Hazel) of Mogadore.

Funeral service will be Monday, 11 a.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 34 S. Cleveland Ave. (Route 532), MOGADORE, Ohio 44260 with Pastor Barry Bordenkircher officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday (TODAY), and from 10 a.m. until service time Monday. Services will conclude at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Suffield United Church of Christ, 1115 State Route 43, Suffield, OH 44260, or a favorite charity.