John Cross

John Hugh Cross, Sr., of Mexia, passed away January 6, 2021 in Waco, Texas at the age of 72.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in the Prairie Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Clifton Jones officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2021 in the Old Rondo Cemetery in Texarkana, Arkansas.

John was born March 21, 1948 to Joseph Cross and Helen Ruth Enbey Buss.  He was a retired Captain of the Galveston Fire Department with 30 years of service.  He also worked over 40 years for A-1 Fire Equipment Company and Guardian Force and was presently employed by LaSalle Prison.  He was a hard worker; he just seemed to be a man that enjoyed being busy.

John married Gloria Jean Hardin on September 20, 1965 in Idabel, Oklahoma and they were blessed with two children, John, Jr. and Donna.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  Family, and his love for the Lord, were most important to him.  He enjoyed serving the Lord as a member of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church, due to a wonderful, welcoming church family.

John and his wife traveled to many different places in search of gold mines to prospect; it was a hobby that he really enjoyed.  He was a member of the Texas Retired Firefighters Association where he served as Vice-President for a time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Cross; mother, Helen Buss; and step-father, Vernon Buss.

John is survived by his wife of 55+ years, Gloria J. Cross; son, John Cross, Jr. and wife, Karen; daughter, Donna Bryan and husband, Eric; six grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers, William Cross, Edward Cross, and Danny Cross; sister, Lilly Skerry; step-brother, Wayne Buss; step-sister, Kathy Kerriker; and several nieces and nephews.