Hugh Edward Cross

1927 - 2011

Hugh Edward Cross, 83, of Carrollton, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2011, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born on Oct. 18, 1927, to Hugh W. and Helen M. Cross of Jerseyville. He married Mary Lou Walling of Beardstown, on March 25, 1951. His beloved wife, Mary Lou, preceded him in death on May 25, 2011.

Surviving are two children, Hugh Thomas Cross of Westfield, Ind., and Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Jacowski of Falls Church, Va.; and a sister, Barbara (husband, Lee) Johnson of Scottsdale, Ariz. Also surviving are two nephews, Craig Johnson of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Eric Johnson of Sewickley, Pa.

Mr. Cross attended Jersey Township High School for two years and then transferred to and graduated from Western Military Academy in Alton. He attended the University of Illinois with his enrollment interrupted by his enlistment in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946. While at the U of I, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He graduated in the class of 1950.

In 1951, Mr. Cross bought the Carrollton Farm Supply Co. (an International Harvester farm implement dealership) and was owner and manager for 25 years. He enjoyed many memories with farmers in Greene and Jersey Counties. He also served on the board of directors of the Carrollton Bank for 30 years.

He was a member of the Carrollton Presbyterian Church, serving as a trustee and member of the church Session.

Upon retirement from the farm implement business in 1977, he assumed management of Cross Farms in Jersey County, a farm that has been in his family since 1836. He enjoyed working with the Max Griffith family of Jerseyville and the Robert Moore family of Medora, in the farming operations.

Also in his retirement years, Hugh was an avid collector of toy farm machinery and toy truck banks. He enjoyed selling and trading these toys as much as he did the real size equipment from his business career. He and Mary Lou enjoyed travel in Europe, and vacationing in Northern Michigan and Florida.

Hugh used to laugh with friends that he and Mary Lou had two hits - Tom and Betsy - and no "heirs," and he maintained his sense of humor until the end.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton. Private graveside rites will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carrollton Presbyterian Church or 5 A's Human Society in Alton. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.