John Milton Cross

July 30th 2024, John Milton Cross slipped peacefully from this world into the next. Born June 29th, 1948 in Los Angeles California to George Cross and Lillian Radach, he grew up the son of a marine. John explored beaches, to mountains to forests, living in different parts of the country. His father often took him fishing, which he passed along to his children.

 Later in life, he converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A blind date led him to meet Denise Randall, whom he married in the Salt Lake City temple where they were sealed for time and all eternity. They settled in Layton, UT.

 John was, at his very heart, a man who loved his family. His children recall days he would come home from work, and before he could even change out of uniform, was playing and laughing with them. He later had that same joy with his 6 grandchildren who called him Papa.

 He always tried to make those around him laugh, with his often corny sense of humor and grin that twinkled in his eyes.

 Born with a curious mind, he was often reading books and articles on topics of interest; science, space, weather, historical events and nature. He loved to look at the night sky and wonder what lay beyond. This made him a formidable opponent at any trivia game and it wasn't unusual for his grown children to receive text messages of random facts, weather statistics or riddles. John also enjoyed word games and cards with family and friends, logic puzzles and PokemonGo.

 Always behind the camera, he captured the beauty in the world around him as he traveled the world in the Air Force. Enlisting at 18, John served our country in Vietnam and later retired from the service in 1990. He often shared humorous and interesting stories from his many overseas stations. He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

 In his retirement years you could find John walking through the nearby grocery store, chatting with employees and neighbors, telling his jokes and asking about their day. Everyone always had a smile after talking with him. That was his gift, he left a little joy everywhere he went.

 John loved music and filled his home and his family's memories with songs that played long after the records were put away. Songs that will continue to play even though he's left for what lays beyond those stars he used to gaze upon.

 John now walks tall, without pain, where the flowers bloom eternal.

 John is survived by his wife, Denise. Their six children Angela May, John Louis (JC), David Randall, Daniel Gem, Robert George and Merinda Noel. And their grandchildren Malachi, Marley, Korbin, Lydia, Zayne and Teagan.

 Graveside services will be held in his honor Thursday August 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Tuesday August 6, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.

ORDER VIDEOS