Charles Pursley Cross
Charles Pursley Cross, 85, of Du Quoin, departed this life peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones at 7:48 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.
Charles had worked in maintenance for the Illinois National Guard Armory in Carbondale for 14 years. He was born March 8, 1928 at Union City, Tenn., the son of Alfonso and Inez (Lightner) Cross. He was the first of nine children. When Charles was 11 years old, his family moved to Du Quoin, Ill., where he graduated high school. He enlisted in the Army in January of 1946 and was honorably discharged in January of 1949. In 1960, he enlisted in the Army National Guard with a ranking of Private (E-2). He served for 28 years in the Army National Guard and retired on March 8, 1988 with a ranking of Sgt. First Class (E-7). While in service, he moved to Elgin, Ill. and met Marie Annette Johnson. They were married on March 28, 1964 at Geneva, Ill. and from this union four children were born. The family moved back to Du Quoin, Ill. in July of 1974 when he was transferred to National Guard duty in Carbondale, Ill. He was very active in Smith Memorial AME Zion Church, where he served on the trustee board for many years.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory eight children - Charles A. Cross and wife Lynn of Du Quoin, David Cross of Du Quoin, Jeanette Cross of Du Quoin, Kelvin Cross and wife Tanika of Elgin, Ill., Michael Ward and wife Judy of Du Quoin, Elonda Hicks of Springfield, Beverly Norton of Springfield and Kathy Baxter and husband Robert of Bloomington, Ill., a niece he had raised as a daughter - Rachael Aguiniga of Du Quoin, four sisters - Glena Robinson and husband Billy of Elgin, Ardella Gregory and husband Walter of Las Vegas, Nev., Maxie Harris of Du Quoin and Martha Bennett and husband Oscar of Elkville, one brother - James Harris and wife Wanda of Indianapolis, Ind., 19 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
His lovely wife of 49 years preceded him in death on June 21, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters - Mae Ella Chavours, Joyce Adams and Delores Scruggs, one brother - Harold Cross and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Theresa Flagg officiating.
Friends may call from Noon until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.