Donald Cross
December 30, 2012
Donald L. Cross passed away December 30, 2012, at Union Park Health Care Services in Des Moines. Donald was born August 9, 1924, in Udell, Iowa, the son of Perry and Martha (Patrick) Cross. He grew up on the family farm in Unionville, Iowa. Donald served in the Merchant Marines during WWII. In 1945, he was united in marriage to Madeline May Howard. Donald worked at Lennox in Des Moines for 25 years, then Western International for 17 years, retiring to his “Madeline’s Golden Acres,” near Unionville for 18 years.
Donald is survived by his wife, Madeline; sons, Jerry (LeeAnne) Cross of Tarpon Springs, FL, Danny Cross of Ankeny, and Mark (Cheryl) Cross of Hollister, MO; six grandchildren, Joshua, Casey, Travis, Amanda (Stephen) Jones, Shannah (Justin) Shry, and Danielle (John) Finley; five great-grandchildren, Barrett, Noella, and Bennett Jones, and Claire and Lucy Shry; and sister, Lois Kelley of Moravia. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arthur “Burdette,” Robert “Bob,” and John; sister, Dolly; and great-grandson, Braden Michael.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. There will be a visitation for an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathy Flaherty
01/06/2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy and a wonderful Sunday School teacher. I have many fond memories of his classes. He touched more lives than you can possibly know. Bless your family during this difficult time. May God give you peace in knowing He greeted Don at the pearly gates and thanked him for all his hard work.
Judy Godby & Hope Allen
01/02/2013
Jerry, Danny & Mark,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Uncle Donald was very special to us. He was an exceptional man with a big heart. We could tell you all his good qualities but that would take pages. I think the letters Casey and Shannah wrote says it all. I am so glad he knew his worth before he left us. Uncle Donald would often refer to us as his daughters and we couldn't be prouder to call him dad. We will miss him so much!
Lois Kelley
01/02/2013
Donald meant the world to me. He was a very thoughtful and caring man. I will miss reminiscing with him about old times. He was the best brother and I loved him dearly.
Nancy and Doug
01/01/2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in our prayers.
Sherman Kelley
12/31/2012
Your Dad will be missed by many. He touched many lives. I admire his dedication to taking care of Madelyn. I will miss his stories and history lessons. I enjoyed listening to them every time I was around him. May God bless him in his home going. May God bless and comfort you in this time of need.