Clifton Cruise, Jr.

Our first born was a son. We affectionately named our son, Clifton Cruise, Jr., born April 25, 1940, to the parents of Clifton Cruise, Sr. & Vina Mae Waters in Heidelberg, Mississippi. Clifton received the nickname, “Pet” in honor of his grandfather, Leavander Cruise, also nicknamed, “Pet”. All of Clifton’s nieces & nephews would proudly call him, “Uncle Pet”.

Clifton’s early educational years began in Chicago, Illinois. His family soon moved back to Heidelberg, Mississippi, and his educational years continued at Oak Burrow Elementary School & Shady Grove High School in Heidelberg.

As a young man, Clifton, was very conscious about his personal appearance. He loved clothing and dressed to impress. He would starch and iron his jeans with great pride; the creases would always be a noticeable attraction. He wore Banlon shirts and kept his fingernails clean. His appearance was always as eye-catching as the hats he wore on his head.

Clifton moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1965, approximately fifteen years later he returned to Kansas City where he remained until his death.

Clifton was preceded in death by both of his parents, one brother, Clinton Cruise, and one sister, Barbara Dell Hinton.

He leaves to cherish his memories his brother, Charles Cruise, Sr. (Florence), two sisters, Bertha Howard and Janice McMiller, all of Kansas City, MO and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family and friends.

Visitation services will be held, May 1, 2025, 11:00am-12:00pm at Serenity Funeral Home, 1101 East Bannister Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.

Graveside services will be immediately afterwards at Brookings Cemetery, 10004 East 53rd St., Kansas City, MO 64133 at 12:30pm.