Jerry Allen Cross passed away February 3, 2022, in Hill City, Kansas, at
the age of 91. He was born August 6, 1930, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to Ruth
Helen Cobb. He moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico and later to Colorado
where met his wife, Bernice Uliberri. The couple was married September
29, 1955, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and celebrated 59 years together. During
this time, they raised nine children. Jerry and Bernice lived in many
different states finally claiming Colorado and Kansas as home.
It can be said that Jerry was a “Jack of all trades." He was a
truck driver, heavy equipment operator, business owner and mechanic that
could fix just about anything. He was always willing to help people
out. There were stories of fixing cars, always stopping for a stranded
motorist, teaching someone to drive, cleaning snow from driveways,
pulling vehicles out of the mud, helping financially and maybe even
picking up a hitchhiker or two. Jerry enjoyed hunting elk, fishing for
trout and spending many hours talking on the CB. You could find Jerry,
Bernice, and the kids along with the aunts, uncles and cousins camping,
fishing or hunting in the mountains of Colorado. Hunting camp was one
of his favorite places to be, another was behind the wheel, whether it
be an 18-wheeler or just any vehicle would do.
Jerry drove trucks for many years driving long hauls from coast to
coast or the switch backs of Colorado in his log truck. He would often
let the kids, and later the grandkids ride in the truck with him. He was
known as “The Colorado Roadrunner” which later was shortened to “Double
R”, he also gave his kids and most of his grandkids CB handles. It
was said that he may have even let one of his daughters try chewing
tobacco (better known as his bubble gum) and drink black coffee in one
of those logging trucks. Later had a tough time explaining that one to
mom.
When the John Deere Company was in Colorado shooting commercials,
and they needed a guide, someone told them, “Jerry Cross knows these
hills like the back of his hand.” While guiding, the company noticed
Jerry had skills as a mechanic, so he was offered a job. Jerry moved his
family to Kansas. Jerry would later drive for the Salina Journal. Not
being able to stay away from the big rigs, he bought a box truck and
started hauling parts. Jerry and Bernice opened and operated “The
Station” known as Cross Service in Albert, Kansas in 1989. Starting out
as a mechanic shop and full-service gas station; it grew into a small
convenience store and restaurant. The station became more than just a
gas station. It became a place for family and friends to gather for
good food, conversation, love and plenty of great times.
Jerry liked spending time on the road. He would often load the
family in the car on a Friday afternoon for a 10-hour drive, one way, to
Colorado for the weekend showing up in the middle of the night.
Talking to family and friends they remember his love for his dogs,
camping, hunting, fishing, driving, his bubble gum and a shot of
Peppermint Schnapps.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Helen and William
Nabours; his wife Bernice; sons: Rocky Cross, Phillip Cross, and Jeffrey
Cross. Leaving to mourn his passing are his sons: Dan Cross (Judy), of
Ellis, Gary Cross, of Dolores, Colorado, Andrew “A.J” Cross (fiancé
Melinda Eltiste), of Hill City, his daughters: Shawnee Cross of Albert,
Elaine McKeever (Jeff), of Hill City, and Sadie Keith (Jan), of Otis;
numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends
and his beloved dog Itty Bitty.
“Dad, when we see you again, we will bring our lunch and I’m sure
one of us will have a car you would be willing to buy for five dollars
and even offer to give us a ride home. The grandkids said to tell you
there is something on your shirt! Dad you will be missed.”
“Double R will be 10-7”
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