Wayne Cruseturner died August 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California, of complications of lung and heart disease at the age of 77.
MEMORIAL SERVICES:
First Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22 at First Church of Christ in San Fernando, California.
Second Service: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29 at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas.
Cruseturner was born in Cherokee County, Texas, on December 2, 1937 to Norman and Cumi (Cook) Cruseturner. He grew up in Marlin, Texas, where he attended high school. He attended Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, while serving with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at El Toro in the late-1950s. After the Marine Corps, he attended Baylor University where he majored in journalism.
His career as a writer spanned four decades in the television and movie industry. After breaking into the business holding “cue cards” on various variety shows, game shows, and soap operas during the 1960s, he crafted screenplays for several low-budget features including A Boy and His Dog, which starred Jason Robards and Don Johnson. Produced and directed by Cruseturner’s long-time friend and mentor, L. Q. Jones, the film won several science fiction awards including a Hugo in 1976. Cruseturner originated the long running television game show, Gambit, produced by Bob Quigley and Merrill Heater, which ran on CBS from 1972 to 1978. Other work included his novel about a country singer, Forever and Ever, which was published in 1981, and his second book, Firewall, published in 2012. He also wrote Farrah Fawcett’s final episode of Charlie’s Angels (1980).
Cruseturner is survived by his wife Elisabeth of 22 years, one son, Ashley Cruseturner, daughter-in-law, Angela Russell Cruseturner of Waco, Texas, and two grandsons, Caleb and Cade. He is also survived by four step-children and ten step-grandchildren, one sister, Ann Shehorn, of Waco and a brother, Gary Cruseturner, of Houston. His brother, H.W. Ritter, preceded him in death.
He was a life-long Southern Baptist and a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church of Lake View Terrace, California, for the past forty years.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Baylor Bear Foundation (football), Student Foundation at Baylor, or McLennan Community College Foundation (Waco, TX).
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.LakeShoreFH.com.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
My thoughts, prayers, good wishes go out to all of the family members who have lost the good guy who loved so deeply, so stongly and so silently. We shared so many of the good ol bad times memories but had time to come full circle, laughing all the way…
Both of us avid football fans, He bleeding green and me orange had a hellofva bet going for the Texas/Baylor game, so think of us both on that day. He sure wanted to make it that long , so he could give me hell. He was sure Baylor will win. God rest his soul, and mine, for I am not far behind. Remember him for his humor, his love for you, for Texas, for this great Country, for the Marine Corp. and for all the good things life has to offer. God Bless…
Ashley, we worked together at Wilkirson Hatch and I worked with your Uncle Butch at McLennan County. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of your father.
Prayers,
Brenda
My heart hurts for all of you. Wayne was a classmate and a dear friend of mine. We have stayed in touch since our years when we grew up in Marlin. I cherish his friendship and am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you peace during this difficult time.
Blessings,
Leah Jeffery
Betty and Family,
I am praying for you, He is now on the “Happy Trails” with his horse, meeting Jesus, what could be sweeter?
Love, Sharlene
Goodbye Wayne. I loved reading your books. My sympathy to your family.
To the Family of Mr. Cruseturner, may you find comfort in knowing your loved one is resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior. As a veteran, I would like to thank him for his time in the Marines. May you all hold dear your memories of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. God bless you.
Mr. Ashley Cruseturner, I took your classes in 2007/08. You are still my favorite.
Ashley,
I was saddened to learn about the loss of your father. Knowing what a fine writer you are, it was very interesting to read about your father’s career and understand where a portion of that passion and talent originated. God bless you and your family during this time of loss and comfort you with good memories of your father.
Sincerely,
Evan