Walter Gerald Cross

Walter Gerald “Jerry” Cross SOUTH OGDEN - Walter Gerald “Jerry” Cross, 87, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 24, 2010. Jerry lived his life with kindness, compassion, and great integrity. He had a keen sense of humor; enjoyed life to the fullest and had a natural way of making everyone feel loved and special. Jerry was born October 27, 1923 in Ogden, Utah, to Earschel Jeremiah “Jerry” and Dora Lavon Monroe Cross. As an only child, he spent his summers in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, with his maternal cousins sharing their love for the great outdoors. Jerry had wonderful memories of his childhood, attending Ogden City Schools, and graduating from Ogden High School, Class of 1941. During his first year at Weber State College he joined the U. S. Marine Corps proudly serving his country from 1942 to 1946 in War World II. He was a Tech Sergeant stationed on Midway Island in the South Pacific, flying B-25 reconnaissance, as a twin 50-caliber machine gun turret air crewman. It was during the war, he met Naomi C. Robertson in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and after a whirlwind romance, they married April 7, 1945; recently celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Following the war, they settled in Ogden, Utah. Jerry continued his studies at Weber State College, earning a Degree in Chemistry. Jerry retired as General Manager and CEO of Farmers Grain Co-op in 1989 with 42 years of service. Following retirement, Jerry and Naomi traveled extensively to foreign countries as well as in the United States enjoying new friendships and places. He was a member and past president of the Ogden Golf and Country Club. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, and his annual family vacations to Jackson Lake, Wyoming. He was able to vacation there from 1932 through 1998, first with his parents and then with each new generation. Jerry will be fondly remembered sitting on the deck or in the back of the boat, gazing over the lake and watching the antics of his family. He and Naomi shared a love of music, ballroom dancing and golfing. Growing up an only child, family was most important to him. He always said he wanted a dozen children! Jerry reached this goal 4 times over with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his wife Naomi, children and their spouses; Jerry and Kathie Cross, Layton; Diane and Dan (deceased) Lindgren, South Weber; Janis and Chris (CJ) Shelton, San Diego; Marilyn and Mike Dean, Perry; grandchildren, Kelly and Sy Imlay; Amy and Pat Child; Sabrina and Tony Pantone; Ashley and Tyler Call; Dan Gerald and Randee Lindgren; Sara and Tad Driscoll; Nathan and Natalie Dean; 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father; son-in-law Dan Lindgren; and granddaughter Cammie Lynn Cross. The family expresses their deep appreciation to IHC Hospice and the Manor Care Heritage Staff for their loving care and concern. Honoring Jerry’s request, private family services were held Saturday, October 30, 2010. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, where Military Honors were accorded by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary. Email condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com