Jameson, MO: David William Cross, 75, of Jameson, Mo., passed away September 5, 2022 at his home and entered the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
David was born on August 23, 1947 in Carroll, Iowa to William and Maxine (Clark) Cross. He was raised on the family farm near Dow City, Iowa. He graduated from Dow City High School in 1965. David received his BS and MS degrees from NWMSU and Ed. Spec. Degree from the University of Missouri.
After graduating college, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was a noncommissioned officer and after basic training was stationed in Turkey where he lived with his wife Christine. They were blessed with two children: Paul and Diana.
When his enlistment time was completed, the family moved to Houston, Texas where he taught science classes for one year before moving to King City, Mo. to become high school principal.
Later, Dave took his first superintendent job at Jefferson C-123. He enjoyed watching his children grow and participate in many school activities there. He worked to make the new elementary school there a reality.
Dave’s next superintendent job was at North Harrison. He and his wife Debbie and son John were active parts of the school and community for nine years. Dave worked very hard to make the new elementary school a reality. He retired from education after this and took a break.
Dave, Debbie, and John moved to Lake Viking for a year. Dave did electrical work during this time.
He then accepted the Gilman City superintendent position. The family moved to Gilman City and rented a house in the country until their new house was completed. The house was built by the building trades class at school. Dave, Debbie, and John spent many hours each week working on the house also.
Dave retired after 14 years at Gilman City.
Dave was best known for his ability to take a district struggling financially and get it back into the “black”. Difficult decisions had to be made but he always made them with the best interests of the children in mind.
Dave and Debbie loved to travel. Yellowstone National Park was his favorite. He also enjoyed trout fishing at Bennett Springs and the Missouri State Fair where he enjoyed watching students show and visiting with people. He was well known for his jokes too; some were funnier than others.
Other big trips included Georgia for John’s graduation from basic training and later traveling to Alaska where John was stationed. His last trip was to Tennessee to meet our grandson Wade.
He loved to hunt with his buddies, especially his superintendent friends who he had a special bond with. Dave had many other special friends. He loved his English Setter, Buttercup who he hunted quail and pheasant with.
He also enjoyed deer hunting mainly using his camera. Dave loved taking nature pictures and he took 1000’s of pictures at sporting events throughout the years.
Dave added the first Shih Tzu to the family in 2005. Punkin traveled everywhere with him.
Later Buddy and Dolly joined the family. They were his constant companions during his last years, and he loved them dearly.
Dave loved all his family deeply. He is survived by his wife Debbie of 33 years, his children Paul Cross, Diana (Don) Auffert, and John (Lauren) Runde, grandsons Wade and Weston Runde, brothers Dwayne (Cathy) Cross and Ron (Paula) Cross, father-in-law Clinton Durham, sister-in-law Mary Jean (Scott) Smith, brother-in laws Larry Durham (Charla Rule) and John (Lynn) Durham and several nephews, nieces, and many friends.
Dave would not want us to mourn his passing but to live life to its fullest.
Dave was remembered at a gathering of close friends and family on September 17, 2022 at the family farm.
Memorials may be made at BTC Bank in Bethany, Mo., for scholarships in his memory. Please make checks out to “David Cross Memorial”.
Pastor Bruce Williams, Dave’s friend of many years, officiated.