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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
Ernest Cross Obituary
March 10, 1934 - January 19, 2025
Ernest Richard "Dick" Cross, 90, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on January 19, 2025.
Born in 1934 "up the holler" near Griffithsville, West Virginia, Dick was the second son of Ernest and Evelyn Ferguson Cross. He grew up alongside five brothers, though it was widely agreed that he was his mother's favorite.
The Navy took him to California, where he served as aviation boatswain's mate, second class aboard the U.S. Bon Homme Richard. His sharp mind and mechanical ingenuity led him to work at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, a precursor to NASA, where he contributed to the development of the jet thrust reversal system. He later worked at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory as a mechanical technician, further expanding his impact on physics, metallurgy, and engineering. He was a control and instrument technician at the Dave Johnson Power Plant and a HVAC consultant of light rail systems. Dick had an incredible ability to learn and adapt. If he needed a tool he didn't have or that didn't exist, he simply made it.
A lifelong love of nature, fishing, and hunting brought him to Wyoming, where he spent his final years after living in California and Arizona.
No matter what life threw at him, Dick considered himself lucky, and rich in experiences and friendships. People simply liked him. Children and animals made their way to him. His nurse named her sourdough starter after him. His fascination with aviation may have been sparked by growing up near Chuck Yeager, and he had the honor of working with one of the brilliant women featured in Hidden Figures.
He loved cats and corvettes, music and Mexico, Jeeps, puzzles, travel, and wood working. But most of all, spending time with his kids.
He was loved and is survived by his daughters, Teri and Judy; son-in-law, Ken Barbe who Dick deemed the best man he ever knew; grandson, Dan; former wives, Mary and Donna; brother Ralph, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
In honor of his generous spirit, memorials to your favorite charity would make him happy. No services are planned.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Cross
5 Entries
Nancy (Bogart) Barlow
April 8, 2025
I am so sorry, Teri, to hear of your dad's passing. I remember when you moved in next door to us on Pine Street. We became fast friends - such good friends, that I sold you my beautiful horse, Babe. Please know my thoughts are with you as you navigate through this difficult time. God bless you always.
Nancy (Bogart) Barlow
Gainesboro, TN
Wanda
April 2, 2025
Uncle Dick was a great person, I know he is missed tremendously! I remember visiting him and Donna when they lived in the Bay Area. I was pregnant with Krystal and he had Donna take me shopping in his corvette, it was hilarious trying to fit baby stuff in the car. We will always remember him and miss him.
Sister in law Vickie
March 21, 2025
What great memories he left you with! He was always in good spirits and made you feel welcome anytime. God rest his soul and be with you all.
Jamie Barbe
March 21, 2025
God bless you, Judy, Teri, Kenny, and Mary. I know your hearts are broken but, by God´s tender mercies , your memories of Dick will lift up those hearts of yours and sustain you for many years so come.
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Teri Walsh
March 20, 2025
My deepest sympathies, Teri, to you and your family. May the good times and good memories you had with your Dad carry you though this sad time.
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Casper, WY
Casper Star-Tribune
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