Jerry Allen Cross

Jerry Allen Cross passed away February 3, 2022 in Hill City, Kansas at the age of 91. He was born August 6, 1930 in El Reno, Oklahoma to Ruth Helen Cobb. He moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico and later to Colorado where met his wife, Bernice Uliberri. The couple was married September 29, 1955 in Las Vegas, Nevada and celebrated 59 years together. During this time, they raised nine children. Jerry and Bernice lived in many different states finally claiming Colorado and Kansas as home.
It can be said that Jerry was a "Jack of all trades". He was a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, business owner and mechanic that could fix just about anything. He was always willing to help people out. There were stories of fixing cars, always stopping for a stranded motorist, teaching someone to drive, cleaning snow from driveways, pulling vehicles out of the mud, helping financially and maybe even picking up a hitchhiker or two. Jerry enjoyed hunting elk, fishing for trout and spending many hours talking on the CB. You could find Jerry, Bernice, and the kids along with the aunts, uncles and cousins camping, fishing or hunting in the mountains of Colorado. Hunting camp was one of his favorite places to be, another was behind the wheel, whether it be an 18-wheeler or just any vehicle would do.
Jerry drove trucks for many years driving long hauls from coast to coast or the switch backs of Colorado in his log truck. He would often let the kids, and later the grandkids ride in the truck with him. He was known as "The Colorado Roadrunner" which later was shortened to "Double R", he also gave his kids and most of his grandkids CB handles. It was said that he may have even let one of his daughters try chewing tobacco (better known as his bubble gum) and drink black coffee in one of those logging trucks. Later had a tough time explaining that one to mom.
When the John Deere Company was in Colorado shooting commercials, and they needed a guide, someone told them, "Jerry Cross knows these hills like the back of his hand." While guiding, the company noticed Jerry had skills as a mechanic, so he was offered a job. Jerry moved his family to Kansas. Jerry would later drive for the Salina Journal. Not being able to stay away from the big rigs, he bought a box truck and started hauling parts. Jerry and Bernice opened and operated "The Station" known as Cross Service in Albert, Kansas in 1989. Starting out as a mechanic shop and full-service gas station; it grew into a small convenience store and restaurant. The station became more than just a gas station. It became a place for family and friends to gather for good food, conversation, love and plenty of great times.
Jerry liked spending time on the road. He would often load the family in the car on a Friday afternoon for a 10-hour drive, one way, to Colorado for the weekend showing up in the middle of the night. Talking to family and friends they remember his love for his dogs, camping, hunting, fishing, driving, his bubble gum and a shot of Peppermint Schnapps.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Helen and William Nabours; his wife Bernice; sons: Rocky Cross, Phillip Cross, and Jeffrey Cross. Leaving to mourn his passing are his sons: Dan Cross (Judy), of Ellis, Gary Cross, of Dolores, Colorado, Andrew "A.J" Cross (fiancé Melinda Eltiste), of Hill City, his daughters: Shawnee Cross of Albert, Elaine McKeever (Jeff), of Hill City, and Sadie Keith (Jan), of Otis; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends and his beloved dog Itty Bitty.
"Dad, when we see you again, we will bring our lunch and I'm sure one of us will have a car you would be willing to buy for five dollars and even offer to give us a ride home. The grandkids said to tell you there is something on your shirt! Dad you will be missed."
"Double R will be 10-7"