Cecil Dean Cross

Cecil Dean "Sam" Cross began his earthly life journey in Sylvan Grove, KS, born to Paul Leon Cross and Frieda Elenora Elizabeth Cross on December 1, 1931. Cecil's mother called him snickelfritz, which means mischievous. Anyone who knew Cecil knows this is true.

After graduation, Cecil worked for Boeing Aircraft (Wichita) assembling B47s for a short time. Then he went back to Sylvan Grove and worked until he was drafted. He was a proud veteran of the Korean conflict serving in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. At one point, he was stationed in Hawaii where he developed a very strong dislike of coconut, pineapple and rice which prevailed to the very end! After serving his country, Cecil took a job in a storm door and window factory in Wichita, Kansas. His coworkers renamed Cecil Cross - Sam. It stuck and later he had a used car dealer license called Sam's Motors.

He married Marilyn June Vlcek in Wilson KS on June 13, 1953 and they were married 68 years until her passing in May, 2022. They were blessed with three children, Michael (Mickey) David, Audrey Kay and Eugene Samuel. The family lived in Park City, KS until 1964 when they moved to Hobbs, NM to fulfill Sam's dream of owning his very own auto salvage. Prior to that he worked with two of his older brothers at Cross Auto Salvage in Wichita KS but wanted to be his own boss! He owned and operated Industrial Salvage Company from 1964 until 2000. In 2001 he built a shop, Dal Paso Auto Sales, and he sold rebuilt wrecks from that location.

Sam was a private pilot. In the late 60's he formed a close friendship with Frank Hines. Sam rented a Comanche airplane in 1968 from Frank for a trip to Kansas. The plane was damaged following a bad landing. Sam assured Frank that he would pay for the damages and fix the plane and he did just that. Frank was so astounded at Sam's commitment to keep his word that he continuously encouraged Sam to get his own plane. Of course, money was tight, so they had to think outside the box. Somewhat lengthy story but Frank got possession of a skimpy portion of a Piper Tri-pacer. Sam traveled to Idaho to get some lift struts and he traveled to Iowa to get a wing and tail. Literally, 5 ½ months from the time work commenced on the rebuild, a red and cream intact 1952 Piper Tri-pacer airplane emerged from a pile of parts from hither and yon. Over the years, Sam and Marilyn enjoyed many successful flights and encountered some forced landings in the airplane but thankfully came out unscathed. Sam thoroughly enjoyed his flying days until health issues robbed him of that special hobby and pleasure.

Sam was quite a character with a robust laugh, but could be very quiet on occasion which made you wonder what he was thinking. He was known to help friends and strangers along the way knowing that life struggles are a reality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marilyn, his son and daughter-in-law Mickey and Irene Cross, his son-in-law, Thomas Parrish and his eight siblings. He is survived by his daughter Audrey Parrish of Odessa, TX and his son Eugene Cross (Janet) of Hobbs, NM. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Sam transitioned into eternal life on August 18, 2025 at the age of 93 surrounded by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you perform a random act of kindness to another or make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.