Art Cross, 82

Arthur Amos “Art” Cross, age 82, of Mendon, died Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at his home, following a long illness.

He was born Sept. 25, 1928, in Sherwood, a son of Irving and Loretta (Hanna) Cross, and attended school in Sherwood.

Art was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. On Feb. 26, 1953, he married Sarah Wolfe in Mendon and they have resided in Mendon for most of their married life.

Art was a lifelong farmer who also worked at the Haas Corporation, Douglas Manufacturing and Dayco Rubber. He also drove a school bus for Mendon schools, was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the Centreville Grange.

Art is survived by his wife, Sarah; four children, Jeff (Cindy) Cross of Fort Pierce, Fla., Judy Cross of Daytona Beach, Fla., Janice Cross of Christmas, Fla., and William “Bill” (Nancy) Cross of Mendon; 12 grandchildren, Loretta Bupp, Francis Shaw, Sara Schreiber, Rebecca Phipp, Melissa McKay, Keith Cross, Scott Bainbridge, Paul Crabtree, Justin DeLong, Brad Cross, Mike Cross, and Zach Cross; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; six brothers, Wayne Cross, Leonard Cross, Edgar (Frances) Cross, Glen (Verna) Cross, Denny (Alice) Cross all of Sherwood and Neal (Sara) Parks of Quincy; a sister, Ellen Smurr of Sherwood; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Albert Cross; and two sisters, Charlotte Oxenrider and Esther Siler.

Cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Fred Goebert, pastor of Factoryville Bible Church, officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Hice-Shutes American Legion Post #170.

Memorials will be directed to Factoryville Christian School. An online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.