Phillip L. Cross

Phillip L. Cross, 83, passed away at home on Sunday, October 19, 2014; his family witnessed a passing as peaceful as his kind and loving spirit.

Phil was born on February 14, 1931 to Walter and Carmen Cross in Fairfield, IA, the first of five children. All of his siblings survive him; Charles “Bud” (Betty) Cross of Grand Junction, CO, Carol Wells of Monroe, WI, Francis “Dolly” McIntire of Fairfield, IA, and Connie (Tony) Harris of Scottsdale, AZ.


Being a Valtentine’s Day baby likely played some role in Phil’s kind and loving spirit. On Valentine’s Day, 1954, that spirit (with the help of his sister, Carol), led Phil to marry his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Harrison, also of Fairfield, IA, upon his return from service to his country in Germany during the Korean War. They raised two sons, Harold (Kimberly) and David (Colony), both of Des Moines. His wife of 60 years survives him, as do his two children; seven grandchildren, Lindsay (Tyler) Roose, Janiesa (Brandon) Card, Jonathon (Kaitlyn) Cross, Courtney (Heath) Ruge, Kade Wills, Lucas (Heather) Cross and Kacey Wills; and four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers-in-law, Kenneth McIntire and Marvin Wells.

Phil was a meat-cutter by trade, managing meat counters for Easter’s Super Valu in Ottumwa, IA, for most of his career. In 1984, Phil and Marilyn moved to Des Moines and Phil managed Smith’s Meat fairground store until his retirement in 1998. Retirement gave Phil the opportunity to apply his cutting skills to David’s construction business where they built many decks and porches for Archadeck of Central Iowa which Harold and David acquired.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Central Iowa for the compassion and care provided to Phil over his last weeks.

The family will greet friends Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 12 p.m. at Central Community Free Methodist Church, 8105 Douglas Ave, Urbandale Iowa, 50322.

A private burial will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA, where Phil will be laid to rest.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Central Community Free Methodist Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.

On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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