Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Stewart Cruse Obituary
Born on May 29, 1960, in Frankfort, he had lived in Lexington since 1974.
A 1979 graduate of Henry Clay High School, Stewart studied at the University of Kentucky and earned graduate degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Lexington Theological Seminary. His life reflected a deep commitment to faith, service, and leadership.
He served as a chaplain at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital and was a longtime member and deacon at Calvary Baptist Church. Stewart was an entrepreneur; he was founder and CEO of Digital Media, Inc. and Cruse Insurance Solutions.
A devoted UK sports fan, Stewart will be remembered for his strong faith, quick wit, and the care he showed to others.
He is survived by his daughters, Kristen May (Scott) and Courtney Cruse; parents, Ernest and Lila Cruse; siblings, Pam Hricenak (Steve), Mark Cruse (Krista), and Brian Cruse (Lisa); and a niece and several nephews. He shared 30 years of marriage and parenting with Susan Cruse, the mother of his daughters.
Stewart's legacy lives on in the lives he touched, especially through his daughters, whose lives reflect his strength, compassion, and spirit.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 6:00PM at Calvary Baptist Church Lexington, KY. Visitation will take place from 4:00PM until the time of service in the Church Sanctuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Rieder
July 10, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cory Mardis
July 10, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss! I didn't get to know Stuart on a personal basis....he helped me with my insurance needs and went way over and beyond to help me! He would always check on me from time to time....I will never forget that! Your family is in my prayers
Scott Thurman
July 10, 2025
Dear Susan , Kristen and Courtney and family,
I am so sorry on the passing of Stewart. I had and Susan as Sunday School teachers when i was in college at Calvary Baptist Church. he was a good friend and Dad to the girls . he always had a smile on his face everytime i saw him. he would speak to me and ask i was doing and we would talk about sports . he will be missed at the church . i know he is now in a better place and watching over us . R.I.P. Stewart .
Sam Leeper
July 9, 2025
Met Stuart on several occasions the past couple years. Always a gentleman and fun to be around. RIP
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John Michael Thomas
July 9, 2025
Worked with at the A&P inTates Creek Shopping Center and went to church with Stewart. I´ve known him for many years. My condolences to the family.
Kelly True
July 8, 2025
One of the best Sunday school teachers! This makes me so sad. My late father was also good friends with him and that means a lot to me. I will be praying for his soul in heaven and for his friends and family left on earth. So sad and sudden, I´m so sorry.
Amy
July 8, 2025
Stewart, thank you for making the lives of so many people with your positivity, smiles and kindness. I will see you in Heaven, my friend! ~ Amy Barton Black
John W. Mann, Sr.
July 8, 2025
Surprised and saddened to learn of Stewart's death. He was a treasured member at Calvary Baptist Church where he had many friends. He and wife Susan could always be counted on to volunteer in aid projects of the church. Sincere condolences to Susan and other family members. Stewart will always be remembered by the many who loved and knew him.
Jeff Rogers
July 8, 2025
I just lost one of my dearest friends. Stewart and I had known each other for nearly 50 years. Stewart is the one whom I stayed in contact with throughout my travels, he was a constant in my life. I will miss him dearly. This is one of my favorite pictures of him. We went on many backpacking trips over the years. This trip to the Smokies was when I was home on leave from Okinawa in 1983, he thought wearing my old Cammie's was cool! .
Rest in peace my friend!
Jon & Kelley Rees
July 8, 2025
Will miss your smiling face, my friend! Rest in peace, Stewart! Prayers to your family, friends, and others during this time of wonderful reflections, incredible memories, and grief!
Kyle Steele
July 8, 2025
Rest in Peace Stewart. Thank you for all the great shifts together and kindness you spread
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Stewart Cruse's name
How to support Stewart's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stewart Cruse's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
