Donald Elwood Cruver
Donald Elwood Cruver, 93, father of Don Cruver of Horseshoe Bay, died April 29, 2011, with his son and daughter by his side. He was born in Portland, Pa., on Nov. 4, 1917, to Elwood and Grace Cruver.
He was visiting from his home in New Jersey with his daughter Beverly. Together, they were enjoying family and friends in the Hill Country, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren who live in Texas.
He was a devout Christian, a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend. He spent his childhood in the beautiful Delaware River Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania, was educated at Alma Preparatory School and Rutgers University in New Jersey, spent the World War II years in the critical defense manufacturing industry, and went on to manage one of the largest iron foundries in the United States.
He was happily married to Mary Jane Cruver for 50 years. Several years after she died in 1991, he married Laura Harris, and they enjoyed 17 wonderful years together before she died last November.
Along the way, he always gave priority to his family and church, and at various times served as everything from Little League coach to trustee of two Methodist churches to volunteer firefighter. He was loved by all — and will be missed by all.
Survivors include his son Don Cruver and wife Anita of Horseshoe Bay; daughter Beverly J. Metzgar and husband Jon of Harleysville, Pa.; five grandchildren April, Jay, Scott, Kim and Brian; six great-grandchildren Jake, Zach, Carson, Camryn, Nathalie and Ava; brother William Oliver Cruver of Los Angeles; and sister Ruth Grace Nettlingham of Bellefontain, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Jane; second wife Laura; and brother Robert.
A service is 3 p.m. May 4 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. A graveside service is 2 p.m. May 5 at Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia. A memorial service is 4 p.m. May 19 at Zarephath Christian Church in Zarephath, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zarephath Christian Church, www.zarephath.org, 14 Chapel Drive in Zarephath, N.J. 08890, (732) 356-2502.
Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.