Sheldon Michael Cruse, 23, of Princeton, Louisiana passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 21, 2019 in Claiborne Parish.  He was born on January 19, 1996 in Bossier City, Louisiana, the son of Tina Bowden.

Sheldon could be described as a clown who loved to joke and laugh with everyone. He had a big heart and deep love for his friends and family, but none more than for his little girl, Winnie.  He enjoyed spending time fishing and playing video games. He also loved working the hay fields and going black Friday shopping with his girlfriend, Kara Grimm and her family.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Tina Palmer; great-grandfather, Guy Loring; special cousin, Tiffany Danielle Bradley; great-grandfather, Donald P. Watts; and great-aunt, Donna Knotts.

He is survived by his very precious daughter, Wynter Elaine Welch; loving mother, Tina Strickland Bowden and her husband, Clint Bowden "Pops"; brother, Tyler Chance Strickland, all of Princeton, Louisiana; grandmother, Sheree Watts "Maw Cats" of Minden, Louisiana; grandfather, Marty Strickland of Princeton, Louisiana; great-grandparents, Loretta and Wayne Hanson of Minden, Louisiana; great-grandmother, Marie Loring of Haughton, Louisiana; loving aunt, Kristi Smith and husband, Brian, and cousins, Jaxon Smith and AN Higgins, Matthew all of Minden, Louisiana; along with many other loved ones.

Honoring Sheldon as pallbearers will be Tyler Strickland, Jason Hollis, Joe Hollis, Clint Bowden, Marty Turvey , Levi Stoddard and honorary pallbearers will be Dominic Silva and AN Higgins, Matthew.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport, Louisiana.  A graveside service, officiated by Bro. Ed Jordan, will be held at 2:00 P.M. at Haughton Cemetery, 100 South Elm Street, Haughton, Louisiana.  The family extends an invitation to a celebration of life gathering at 3 P.M. in the home of Lauri Vosbury, 151 Dogwood South Lane, Haughton, Louisiana.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and love extended during this time of grief.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Funeral Expenses for Sheldon" go fund me account  https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-sheldon