Michael Jay Cruse, Sr. 71 of Alma, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020 in his home. He was a former floor hand for Gary Drilling, a U. S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War earning 3 Bronze Stars, a Mason, a lifetime member of the VFW Jack Post #1322 in Van Buren and a life time member of the D.A.V. In the Navy he assisted in recovering many of the Gemini and Apollo Space Capsules. He was preceded in death by his parents, Overton and Martha (Bradshaw) Cruse, one brother and one daughter. A family held memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. Survivors include his wife, Leta Cruse of the home; daughters, Kellie Owens and Toni Whitt both of Alma, and Jessica Riviera of Ft. Smith; son, Michael Cruse, Jr. of Van Buren; sisters, Robbie Helsel of Bakersfield, CA and Denise Stewart of Loma Linda, CA; brothers, Rick Garrett of Rudy, Steve Cruse of Little Rock and Danny Cruse of Texarkana; 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.