Jerome passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born on January 15, 1956, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, to Angelee and Barney Cruse. To the many who knew and loved Jerome, he was a true anchor in life, always offering unwavering love, support, and a bright smile.

Jerome was a faithful member of St. Francis Baptist Temple and a graduate of Central High School. In 2024, he retired from Aramark at Missouri Western State University. Over his 29 years working in the campus cafeteria, Jerome became well-known for his kind smile and the warmth he extended to the many young men and women he met there. Jerome was preceded in death by his mother and father, Angelee and Barney Cruse; his brothers, Barney Jr., Albert, Glen, Vincent, Mike, and Eugene; and his sisters, Vanessa, Shirlyn Kay, and Tressann. To celebrate a life well lived, Jerome leaves behind his wife, Jennifer; his sons, Brandon Sale (Christy), Dominic Vaughn, and Derrick, Jr. and his daughter, Desiree. He is also survived by his brothers, Curtis, Raymond, Jeff Ginn, and James Ginn Hupp (Veronica); his grandchildren, Aspen,Natasha Sale, Brandon (Bub) Sale, Deven, Shay, Victor (Shawn),Donovin, Elijah, Ramonte, Daryion, Jamaia, Jacoy, Kyzdon, Aria, and Lexus, five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews.

Home Going Celebration June 13, 11:00 a.m. St. Francis Baptist Temple, Visitation 10:00 a.m. at the church, interment Ashland Cemetery. bullockffc.com