Fred Blair Kruse

Fred Blair Kruse, 56, of Fort Scott, passed away at his home, Sunday morning Feb. 22, 2009. He was born July 28, 1952 in Conway, South Carolina, the son of Fred Carl and Catherine (Lovin) Kruse. He married Ellen Marie Miller June 4, 1971, in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

He served his country during Vietnam in the U.S. Navy, and worked for Peerless Products for 15 years. Then became a truck driver, and drove for Smith & Chambers now (Progress Rail) for the last 15 years

Fred is survived by his wife Ellen, of the home; three daughters; Tammy Baughn, of Moundville, Mo., Teresa Hyder, of Nevada, and Tina Kerr, of Fort Scott. Also surviving is one brother, Otto Kruse, of Summerville, S.C.; eight grandchildren; and his in-laws, Jim and Willa Miller of Branson, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Catherine Kruse.

V.F.W. Chaplain James R. Stradley, will conduct graveside services 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday Feb. 24, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.