Jewel Ray Cross

Jewel was born with a strong sense of responsibility and faith. He left high school early to work on his family farm.

He later joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a World War II Veteran.

At just 19 years old, Jewel married the love of his life, Maudene Rowe Cross — whom he often described as “the only woman I ever loved.”

Jewel worked for many years as a mechanic before answering God’s call into ministry. He moved much of his family to Canton, Ohio, where he served as Full-Time Pastor at Plainview Baptist Church. He later brought his family to Gene Autry, Oklahoma, where he pastored at First Baptist Church.

Eventually, Jewel and his family settled in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor while Maudene served on the administrative staff at Boys Ranch Town.

Upon retirement, Jewel and Maudene moved to Grand Prairie, Texas, where they spent their later years.

Jewel’s personality was always bright and joyful. He loved sharing scripture, preaching God’s Word, and telling others about what Christ had done in his life. He freely shared his testimony with anyone who would listen and lived with the assurance that this world was not his final home. He was a simple man and didn’t need much to be happy — his joy came from his faith, his family, and his Savior.

Jewel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maudene Cross, and by his cherished granddaughter, Andrea Simon.

He is survived by his children:

Barbara and Doug Simon; Delbert and Margaret Cross; Debora LeBert; Anthony Cross and Kimberly Linville.

He is also survived by his grandchildren:

Mark and Vicki Simon; Sarah and Chris Day; Daniel and Julie McAdams; Nathaniel and Leah Cross; Caleb and Natalie Cross; Michael and Brooke Cross; Christopher and Maura Cross; and by 15 great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his sisters, Celia Yvonne Moore Desgrey and Christine and JD Stevens.

Service Information

Viewing will be held on February 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Indian Hills Baptist Church

814 Tamara Lane

Grand Prairie, Texas

Lunch will follow at 12:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life Service

February 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Graveside Service (Immediate Family)

February 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway

Dallas, Texas