Bob R. Cross, age 95, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Thursday, July 25, 2024. While his infectious laugh and gentle, giving spirit will be missed, we rest confidently in the knowledge he is in the arms of his God and his beloved wife, Dorla Dean Cross. Born in Elk City, Oklahoma to Robert Norman Cross and Maybelle Stout, Bob’s biological mother passed just six days after his birth.
The youngest of eight siblings, Bob was given to a Christian couple, Ned and Lee Kiser, to raise. Though never allowed to officially adopt Bob, the Kiser’s loved him deeply and well, eventually moving with him to Madera, California where he grew up. At seventeen he met and married the love of his life, Dorla, spending just shy of 68 wonderful years together prior to her death in 2015. Upon graduation from Madera High School, Bob entered the military, completed Officer Candidate School, and served his country for 44 distinguished years. Bob held a dual appointment with the California Army National Guard and the United States Army, completing several tours of duty at the US Pentagon. Retiring from military service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer IV, he was stationed for the longest portion of his career at the 185th Transportation Battalion based in Fresno, California.
A Christian man of deep and abiding faith, Bob was a founding member of the College Church of Christ in Fresno. There he served as a deacon and office administrator for several decades, working passionately in foreign missions, youth, and college-age ministries.
Bob loved sports and was quite a gamesman, excelling at cards, ping pong, horseshoes, and winning numerous bowling trophies. Baseball and softball were his favorites, and he coached and sponsored many winning co-ed and women’s softball teams. A true competitor, he enjoyed playing and watching sports at all levels. Bob’s passion was his family though, and most evenings and weekends found him cheering on his children and grandchildren at their various sporting and performance events.
Bob is survived by his brother, T.J. Cross (99), and sister, Nadeen Cross Marlett (98). He is also survived by his son, Stephen Cross and wife Jacqueline, and his daughter, Cynthia McGrady and husband Chris. Bob has three grandchildren, Sara Cross and partner Kyle, Ali Bishop and husband James, and Matthew McGrady and wife Johanna. He leaves two step-grandchildren, Hali Fehr and Kelly Craigue. Finally, Bob leaves four great grandchildren, Jacob and Mason Brower, and Sydney and Kaitlyn Bishop.
Please join the Cross and McGrady families in celebrating a faithful life well lived on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building at 808 4th Street, in Clovis California. Lunch will follow the service, graciously provided by Bob’s home church, the College Church of Christ Fresno.
Bob was a firm believer that education equaled opportunity. As such, per his request, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bob & Dorla Cross Excellence in Education Endowed Award scholarship fund at Fresno Pacific University. Direct donations may be made at www.fresno.edu/give by selecting “other” in the designation field and entering Bob Cross Scholarship in the provided box. Checks, with the same designation written in the memo line, may be sent to: Fresno Pacific University,1717 S Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702 (559) 453-2000 ATTN: Katherine Herms.
Thank you for your kindness, support, and love at this time.
