MARK S. CRUSE

Mark S. Cruse, 65, of Dayton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 6, 2026 at his home. He was born September 3, 1960 in Piqua to the late William "Knobby" and Juanita (Fessler) Cruse.

Mark is survived by his cousins, Thomas (Katherine) Cruse of Dayton, Rick (Debbie) Cruse of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and Sue-Ellen (James) Edmonds of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his very special friends, Victoria Couchois of Piqua, Nancy Milligan of Monticello, Indiana, Jessica Moser of Dayton, and Kelly Hemm of Dayton; also countless other friends and past and present work associates. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his cousin, Jack Cruse.

Mark was a graduate of Piqua Central High School, Class of 1978. He and his parents were longtime members of St. Paul's Church in Piqua. For most of Mark's adult life he worked as a server, beginning at Kitty's in downtown Dayton, Tomato's, Wellington Grill, and most recently at Harrison's. He also helped out at the Barnsider from time to time. He worked for the same family at most all of these restaurants, and they affectionately referred to him as their "leading man". He was a very hard worker, and his favorite customers even followed him to whichever restaurant he was currently at. With his personality, he was made to serve others-he never met a stranger, and his charisma, dry-wit and quick, sly smile to follow allowed him to warm up to others almost instantly. Mark had a tradition of going to Holland, Michigan for his birthday and looked forward to that trip every year. In his free time, getting together with friends rejuvenated him, whether it was out for a nice meal or a trip to the casino. He also loved Christmas, and had many decorations he loved to display. Mark met many friends along the way, and he will surely be missed by all who loved him.

A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Paul's Church with Rev. Dr. Keith Gebhart officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, also at St. Paul's Church. Funeral arrangements are being provided to the family through Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Church, 500 N. Downing St., Piqua, OH 45356. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.

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