John Hugh Cross Sr.

John Hugh Cross Sr., of Mexia, passed away Jan. 6, 2021, in Waco, at the age of 72. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the Prairie Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Clifton Jones officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the Old Rondo Cemetery in Texarkana, Ark.

John was born March 21, 1948, to Joseph Cross and Helen Ruth Enbey Buss. He was a retired Captain of the Galveston Fire Department with 30 years of service. He also worked over 40 years for A-1 Fire Equipment Company and Guardian Force, and was presently employed by LaSalle Prison. He was a hard worker; he just seemed to be a man that enjoyed being busy.

John married Gloria Jean Hardin on Sept. 20, 1965, in Idabel, Okla., and they were blessed with two children, John Jr. and Donna. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Family and his love for the Lord were most important to him. He enjoyed serving the Lord as a member of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church, due to a wonderful, welcoming church family.

John and his wife traveled to many different places in search of gold mines to prospect; it was a hobby that he really enjoyed. He was a member of the Texas Retired Firefighters Association where he served as vice-president for a time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Cross; mother Helen Buss; and stepfather Vernon Buss.

John is survived by his wife of 55-plus years, Gloria J. Cross; son John Cross Jr. and wife Karen; daughter Donna Bryan and husband Eric; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers William Cross, Edward Cross and Danny Cross; sister Lilly Skerry; stepbrother Wayne Buss; stepsister, Kathy Kerriker; and several nieces and nephews.

Visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.