Ray John Cross, 91, son of Charley and Nettie (Helton) Cross, was born in Hartshorn, Mo., on July 27, 1923, and died May 11, 2015 in Houston, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Cross; four children; one sister; and two grandchildren.
Surviving are one stepson, Carl Bell and wife, Carolyn, of Houston; sons, Travis and wife, Velda, of Houston, Terry Cross of Houston and Tony Cross of Summersville; one daughter, Kathy Hutsell and husband, David, of Bucyrus; 12 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and two sisters, Beaulah Wideman of St. Louis and Charlotte Griffith of Hartshorn, Mo.
Ray grew up and attended school in the Hartshorn area.
He joined the Army on July 6, 1943, and served in the 510th Engineers in the Philippines in World War II.
After returning from the war, he married Pearl Williams Bell on April 6, 1951. Ray was baptized at the Boone Creek Baptist Church in 1956.
Ray spent many years working in the timber/farming occupation in the Kansas City and Houston area. He loved his farm and all the things that went along with it, whether that was working the cows, putting up hay or going to the sale barn. It was not unusual for him to take his grandkids to the sale barn for a farming lesson.
In 2010, he was able to participate in the “Honor Flight” with his son, Travis.
Ray always had a love for music and played the fiddle and harmonica well. It was not unusual at a family get together, for him to pull out his harmonica and play a few songs for everyone.
He loved his wife and family and spending time with them and getting together for family occasions.
In his later years, Ray was rebaptized and loved attending church and played music with his good friend, Kathleen Sawyer.
Ray was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed. On May 11th, 2015, our father was called home, his body had grown tired and it was time to leave this earth and join his Lord and Savior in heaven.
Services were 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, at Evans Funeral home with Wesley Wallace officiating. Burial was in Allen Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers were Tony Lynn Cross, Travis Dale Cross, Ryan Hutsell, Lute Hutsell, Jeff Cross, Alen Cross, Angela Cross and Chris Roper. Honorary pallbearers were Johnathan Amburn, Jimmie Cross, Stephen Blankenship and Nathan Cross.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Allen Cemetery or The Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home, Houston, Mo.
On line condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
PAID
