Max Duane Cruse

Max Duane Cruse, 95, of Franklin, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Edith Angel Cruse. Duane was also preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jewel Cruse; brothers, Jack, Floyd, and Walker Cruse; and sisters, Ruth Medlin and Joanne Kameh. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley Cole of Marietta, Georgia, and Doris Hunter of Franklin.

A lifelong member of the Mashburn Branch Baptist Church, Duane had a deep love for nature and spent many quiet hours observing the wildlife around his home. He was well known and appreciated throughout the Mashburn Branch community for his faithful dedication to mowing the grass. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, where part of his duties included fueling fighter planes in Miami, Florida. Above all, Duane cherished his faith, his country, and his family.

In his later years, Duane received devoted and loving care from his wife’s sisters, Gladys Jennings and Joyce Bryant.

He leaves behind a legacy of quiet service, love of the outdoors, and deep devotion to those he held dear.