Herschell Robert Cruze

Herschell Robert Cruze, age 74 of Athens passed away Sunday February 16, 2025 at Kindred Hospital in Chattanooga.

A native of Corbin, KY and life-long resident of Athens he was a son of the late Harrison Edward and Mabel Adeline Syrock Cruze and was preceded in death by a son Herschell Robert "Rob" Cruze, Jr.

He was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church and was a former Police Officer for the City of Athens having retired after 24 years of service.

He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Special Ops with the 101st Airborne division for 11 years.

Survivors:

Wife of 44 years Esther Ogren Cruze;

2 daughters and son-in-law, Elizabeth Ann and Richard McBay of Athens;

Alivia Jessica Cruze Powell and fiance Drew Ingram of Athens;

1 son Steven Wyatt Cruze of Athens;

1 daughter-in-law, Laura Cruze of Cleveland.

1 sister Annette Morelan of Delano;

Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman and Linda Ogren of Washington State, Dean Ogren of Decatur, Judy and Jay Murphy of Ooltewah and Sharon Ogren of Ten Mile.

Grandchildren, Niklas Cruze, Nathan Cruze of Germany

Alexa McBay of Etowah; Kalyn McBay of Athens, Connor McBay of Athens,

Brady Powell, Alexander Powell, Ren Powell and Thomas Ingram all of Athens, Heidi Cruze, Mabel Cruze both of Cleveland, and Cassie Everheart all of Athens.

Great-grandchildren, Areia Everheart, Noah Cruze, William Morgan and Milo Walker.

2 Nieces Aimee DePriest and husband Scott, Julie McCaslin and husband Ivan.

2 great-nephews, Hunter McCaslin and Tyler DePriest.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Sunday, February 23, 2025 at McMinn Memory Gardens with Rev. Herman Jordan officiating. Pallbearers will be Cory Huggins, Cody Huggins, Eric Letner, Steven Cruze, Dean Ogren, and Connor McBay.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the McMinn County Regional Humane Society, c/o https://mrhumane.org/clubs/mcminn-humane-society/pages/donate_.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/herschell-cruze

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.