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John Cross Obituary
While growing up, he was active in several sports. He enjoyed watching the Rangers and the Cowboys, and he loved to play golf. He received his Bachelor's degree from North Texas State, and his Masters from Sul Ross University. He moved to Odessa in 1945.
He was a 1st LT. in the U. S. Army Air Force during WWII, serving as a Bombardier in the Pacific Theater, and he received the Purple Heart. He was a preacher of the gospel for more than 50 years in Texas, Florida and as a missionary in Nigeria. He was a member of Parkview Church of Christ.
He taught from grades 6 up to college classes, and was principal at Zavala Elementary School in his early teaching career. He helped to establish Odessa Christian School and also served as its principal for many years.
Joe was a gentle man who was compassionate, loving, thankful and humble, but he was also courageous in standing for what he believed to be right, and he stood firmly against wrong. He loved studying and teaching the word of God, and, because he practiced what he preached, he was a great influence for good on many people. He will be missed by the friends and family that he left behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Dorothy Jewel (Bewley) Cross, and several brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Roemisch Cross of Odessa; his son, Scott Cross and wife, Ann, of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; daughter, Melody Wright and husband, Lewis, of Crane; four grandchildren, Scotty Joe Cross, Aaron Meyers, Angela Altman and husband, Jerry and Joseph Cross; and great-grandchildren; Taylor, Tyler and Quinton; stepson, Jerry Roemisch and wife, Shelia, of Austin; stepdaughter, Rebecca Stanford and husband, Jim of Odessa; two step-grandchildren; Kelsee and Shelby West and one step-great-granddaughter, Rylee West of Odessa. He is also survived by his sister, Maxine Crews and husband, James of Jefferson, TX.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008, at the Eisenhower Church of Christ with Dennis Dillon officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cross
Patty (King) Snider
March 27, 2008
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Cross passing. I remember him from the time he was preaching in Meadow, Texas in the 1960's. I especially remember he always knelt to pray and his commitment to the Lord. You are in my family's prayers.
Lori & Randy Jr. Baker
March 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We loved Mr. Cross more than words can express. He was truly a man of God. He was such a positive influence in all of our lives.
We will miss him.
Don and Debbie Farmer
March 24, 2008
Brother Cross baptized my husband and I at the West University Church of Christ in Odessa in 1988. We're sorry to hear of his passing, and send our sincerest condolences to his family.
Ann Powell Patton
March 24, 2008
Virginia, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful person. My family and I attended Parkview back in the 60's and 70's when he preached there and at Tanglewood when he preached there. He is truly welcomed in Heaven. Ann Powell Patton
Bob Vorhees
March 23, 2008
I will never forget Mr. Cross. He was one of the best teachers I ever had.
David Kirk
March 23, 2008
Joe Cross was a great man, a great preacher, a great principal, and one of the finest Christians I have ever known. My prayers are with his family.
Kathy Farber
March 23, 2008
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
We send you thoughts of comfort.
Joe meant a lot to all of us. He was there for my children in school. He is still the ONLY principal that they remember having at OCS, thus his impression was forever lasting.
Kevin, Kathy, Farber
Steven, Emelie, and Laura
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