Robert Cross

Robert "Bob" Cross, Jr., 68, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2025, while on vacation in the Cayman Islands.

Born July 4th, 1957, Bob grew up believing the annual fireworks were to celebrate his birth. Born to the late Robert Joseph Cross, Sr., and Mamie Alice (Ganstine) Cross, Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Stimer) Cross, in 1975, and together they were blessed with 4 children and 11 grandchildren.

Bob put his faith in Christ when he was 17 and remained active in church throughout his life, serving as a music director, teacher, and leader in multiple churches and ministries over the last 50 years. He and Barbara met and were married at Lawrence Baptist Church. They have also been members of Faithway, Liberty, and Northside Baptist. In 2017 they joined Northview and Bob experienced a time of substantial spiritual growth including a new baptism and participation in a Discipleship Walk. It was a time of repentance, healing, and renewal for him and Barbara over the last 8 years.

For much of his career, Bob worked in the mechanical and electronic security industry, beginning with employment at Best Lock where he spent many formative years in the field including manufacturing, product support management, and selling to commercial accounts.

Bob loved to travel, seeking out interesting eats and new experiences everywhere he went. It's somehow fitting that he died in the midst of adventure, snorkeling on a trip to Grand Cayman with his wife, Barbara.

He had an insatiable curiosity for learning about advancements in science and health, and was an early adopter of new technology. A self-proclaimed fountain of useless information, he was unbeatable at Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. At family gatherings he loved playing poker with his kids and grandkids and entertaining them with his banter, obnoxious bluffing, and play by play narration for dramatic effect.

At work, church, or at restaurants, he was a gregarious conversationalist who was always quick with a clever joke. He lived with a remarkable generosity, giving double tips to servers, sending anonymous gift cards or paying for car repairs for people going through difficult times, supporting ministries, and picking out practical, thoughtful, and sometimes lavish gifts for his loved ones.

While expressing affection and emotions didn't always come naturally to him, in his later years, he began to intentionally greet his kids with hugs at family gatherings and communicated his love more directly. His grandkids and dogs felt his love for them and cuddled with him like a human teddy bear during downtime or naps.

Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara; his children, Darcy (Craig) Wiley of Carmel, Indiana, Mandy (Peter) Acton of Phoenix, Arizona, Bobby (Leigh Ann) Cross of Noblesville, Indiana, and Jeffrey (Sarah) Cross of Gilbert, Arizona; his grandchildren Rhys, RJ, Elliot, Jack, Farah, Cora, Charles, Gracia, Simon, Theodore, and Lylah; and countless friends.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1 pm at Northside Baptist Church, 3021 East 71st Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm.

The service will be vacation-themed, and suggested attire is "resort dinner." But dress however you're comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Bob may be given to Ascent 121 (ascent121.org/donate), an organization he and Barbara have supported that gives hope and help to victims of trafficking.

He left his mark on the world around him and played an impactful role in many lives. His loved ones will continue to celebrate his testimony of transformation and carry forward with his unique sense of humor and adventurous spirit.