John Edward Cross, born October 3, 1939, in Plattsburgh, New York, passed away in the Clarence Care Center in Clarence, Missouri, on November 13, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Sorrell Cross and Mary Grace Cross, his brothers Jim and Leo Jr., and his wife Doris, whom he married in 1973.

Upon finishing high school, John proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He served in the navy again between 1973 and 1978. In 1975 he was awarded Sailor of the Year for his service aboard the USS Hector (AR-7).

After leaving the Navy, John lived in northern California for several years. It was there that John came to faith in Jesus Christ and found his life forever changed. In the early 1990s he moved to Troy, Illinois, where he worked as a measurement technician for the Bachman Machine Company until he retired.

Since 2018, John has been a resident of Kirksville, Missouri. He was known by his Kirksville friends for his thoughtfulness and generosity, always trying to find ways to be a blessing to others. In particular, he was fond of giving things to others that they would both find useful and that they would not think of buying for themselves. He was perhaps most well-known among his Kirksville friends for giving away very nice flashlights which were retrofitted with better lenses and longer lasting batteries.

He is survived by his nephews Tim Cross and Dana Cross, Gregory Cross, Todd Cross, sons of Leo Jr., his Sister-in-law Alida (Cross) Jones, and numerous other nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.

A memorial service for John will be held at Life Church in Kirksville, MO, on December 3 at 7:00 p.m. A committal service will be held at the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO on December 9 at 11:00 a.m.