Fred Selden Cruser, Sr. MD age 102 of Salem, VA died on December 10, 2024 at Richfield Living Center.
Dr. Cruser was born March 30, 1922 to Melvin Cruser, Sr. and Antoinette Norwood Selden Cruser in Norfolk, VA. (Norfolk Protestant Hospital). He was the second of two sons.
He graduated from Maury High School in June of 1938 and attended the Norfolk Division of William and Mary (now Old Dominion University) from 1938-1940 and transferred to UVA where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1943.
Dr. Cruser went on active duty in the army from March 1943 to March 1946 serving in the continental U.S. and the Philippines.
Upon discharge he entered Medical School at UVA graduating in 1950 with a MD degree. From 1950-1952 he served an internship and residency at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk.
In July 1952 he opened an office in Salem, VA for General Practice. In 1973 he joined the Medical Staff of the VA Hospital in Salem before retiring in July 1999.
He and his wife Mary moved to Richfield Retirement Community in July 2014 after private home ownership in the Salem area.
Besides his parents, Dr. Cruser was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Bruce Cruser; his brother, Melvin E. Cruser, Jr.; an infant brother; and a stepson, Steven Clay Sturgill.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Hogsten Cruser; sons, Fred S. Cruser, Jr. (Sharon), Bruce N Cruser (Johnna), and Paul A. Cruser; stepson, Richard A. Sturgill (Beverly); stepdaughter, Robin Sturgill Hollowell (Charles); nephew, Dr. Melvin E. Cruser, III; three grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem with interment held at a later date in Sherwood Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the staff of Richfield Living Center as well as Good Samaritan Hospice.
