WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Howard Russell Cruse, 75 of Williamstown, MA died of cancer Tuesday November 26, 2019 at Berkshire Medical Center.

He was born in Birmingham, Ala., on May 2, 1944, son of Clyde and Irma (Russell) Cruse. He attended schools in Springville, Ala., and graduated from Indian Springs School. Howard received a bachelor's degree from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Ala.

Howard was a self-employed cartoonist and writer all of his life. He notably founded the gay comics movement in 1980 and published the novel "Stuck Rubber Baby" that won awards worldwide. He moved to the Berkshires in 2002.

Survivors include his husband of 40 years, Edward P. Sedarbaum; one daughter, Kim Venter of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren; and one brother, Allan B. Cruse of San Francisco, Calif.

Funeral notice: Services for Howard Russell Cruse will be private. A memorial service is being planned for later in the winter. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.