Bennie Cruse, 87, of Amarillo, passed away surrounded by his loving family March 27, 2023.

He was born August 26, 1935, in Lelia Lake, Texas to Clyde Henry and Jessie Mae (Bullard) Cruse. Bennie graduated from Amarillo High School in 1953. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force serving Active Duty and Reserves and proudly served for over 20 years retiring in 1984 as a Senior Master Sergeant.

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at Pantex and retired from Mason & Hanger Fire Department as a Lieutenant.

Bennie’s hobbies included fishing and gardening. He enjoyed building and designing. Together with his parents, he built a commercial greenhouse in Claude, Texas and he also built and designed three homes.

He was known by many names: Son, Brother, Dad, Daddy, Granddad, G-Daddy, Grand-daddio, and friend. He was kind, caring, patient, wise and smart. He was loved by and respected by all who knew him.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Jessie Cruse.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Cynthia Wisdom and husband Kevin from Cisco, Texas, DeLynn Hudson and husband Kevin from Goodnight, Texas, Kelly Lewis and husband Michael from Keller, Texas; his sister, Juandell Ritter; his former wife, Maurice; ten grandchildren; 21 (plus) great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Bennie’s life will be held at 4:00 Saturday, April 8, 2023, in the Lighthouse Funeral Home Chapel, 3707 Wolflin Ave., Amarillo, Texas 79102.