Arthur Cross

Arthur Floyd Cross, age 99, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Deerfield Retirement Community. His wife, Lorraine, preceded him in death December 25, 2008. They shared 65 years of marriage together.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1924 he was the son of Floyd and Edna Cross. Arthur graduated from Woodside High School, now Saydel. Arthur continued college studies in business and engineering at Drake and Wichita State University.

In September 1942, Arthur enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He entered cadet training to become a pilot/instructor of B-24 and B-29 aircraft. He was scheduled for departure to the Pacific theater when the atomic bomb was dropped in Japan and the war ended. His military service lasted 39 months.

Arthur began his automobile dealership career in the Service Department of Sanders Motor Co. in Des Moines. After the war, Arthur joined the Ford Motor Company District Office serving as Customer Relations Manager, Fleet and Leasing Manager, and Truck Merchandising Manager. Arthur moved his family to Wichita, Kansas in 1968 where he worked for Beech Aircraft Corporation for 21 years as District and Regional Marketing Manager. He retired from Beech Aircraft in October of 1989.

Arthur received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and was a member of Saylorville Church serving on the board for many years. He taught Sunday School classes and Bible studies throughout his years. He will be remembered for his strong, unwavering faith in Christ.

He is survived by a sister, Florence Gustafson of Des Moines; two sons, Randy (wife Janet) and Hal (wife Nancy); 6 grandchildren (Allison, Mark, Matthew, Andy, Rachel, and Beth); and 16 great grandchildren.

The celebration of Arthur’s life will be held at Saylorville Church, 6429 NW Sixth Drive Des Moines, Iowa on October 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation preceding the service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will occur immediately follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, One Northeast 60th Avenue Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Saylorville Church or a charity of your choice.

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