Thomas Charles Kruse, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Ratliff Care Center.

He was born Nov. 24, 1914, in Bloomfield, Mo., son of George Washington and Mae Cleveland Kruse. He and Pearline Leathers were married Jan. 22, 1938, in Piggott, Ark. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in January.

Kruse graduated from Bloomfield High School. He was a member of Hobbs Chapel Church.

He served in the U.S. Navy four years and was a hard hat diver during World War II.

Kruse was a member of Ironworkers Local 396 of St. Louis 30 years.

He retired because of injuries in 1976. He was a life member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his wife, Pearline Kruse of Cape Girardeau; a son, Charles Richard (Ruth Ann) Kruse of Cape Girardeau; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a grandchild.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The service will be at noon Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park, with military rites by Missouri Honor Guard and VFW Post 3838.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 106 Farrar Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.