Arthur Eugene Cross

Gene developed an interest in “tinkering with things” at a young age, and liked taking things apart so he could see how they worked, and make them work better. This interest continued throughout his life.

Upon graduating from Emporia High School in 1953, he enlisted in the Army, attended boot camp in Kentucky, and then was stationed in Germany, where he became a US Paratrooper. He enjoyed the thrill of the jump and his time in the air, but said he never once enjoyed the landing. When his Army commitment ended, he reenlisted in the Military, this time joining the Air Force. He said he was more interested in working on planes than jumping out of them. He became an Aviation Electrical Technician, working on the B52 Bomber Fleet, receiving training at Lowry AFB in Aurora, CO.

He met his soon to be wife, Phyllis Corliss, at a St Patrick’s Day Dance in March of 1959, at Lowry AFB. He claimed that the minute he laid eyes on her he knew she was the one. They were married December 23, 1960 in Greeley, CO.

Following the wedding, they relocated to Walker AFB, in Roswell NM. He worked on a large fleet of B52 Bombers, which were to be ready for combat during the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis. While he loved his work, he also loved coming home to Phyllis. He would bring home fresh flowers to her every time he got paid because he loved seeing her smile. This was another passion he carried throughout his life.

Daughters Rosemary and Sarah were born in Roswell, followed by a son Nathan who died in infancy. Gene loved being a father, and he wanted to do it right. He wanted his daughters to have joy and happiness in their lives, and never stopped trying to make this happen. His time away from work was all about family. He was involved in all of their activities, and loved the time they spent together.

His career took the family to posts in New Mexico, Colorado, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Michigan. His favorite assignment was to Alaska, where he enjoyed Camping, Exploring, Salmon Fishing and Digging Clams.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, the family relocated to Kersey, CO, to be near Phyllis’ family. He loved attending Corliss family gatherings. He started a new career with the Western Electric Telephone Company, and he and Phyllis relocated to Brighton, CO following their daughters High School Graduation.

Upon retirement, Gene developed a passion for cutting wood. There was rarely a day he wasn’t working on the wood pile or “tinkering” with his chainsaws or log splitters. They eventually moved back to the Kersey area, where he got to build an even bigger wood pile. He and Phyllis enjoyed watching the corn grow, while drinking coffee on the front porch and spoiling their dogs.

Gene’s world changed on March 14, 2019 when the love of his life, Phyllis, passed away. He wanted nothing more to be with her and hold her tight. His failing health reunited them just 2 months following her passing.

Gene is survived by daughters Sarah (John) Wardlaw of Greeley, Rosemary Churchill of Woodinville, WA, Grandchildren Rory (Sarah) Scott of Greensboro, NC, Shelby and Melisa Wardlaw of Greeley, Jeff Wardlaw of Tempe, AZ, Dillon and Madison Churchill , and Evan Boldrey of Woodinville, WA, Great Grandson Declan Scott of Greensboro NC, Brother Jerry (Donna) Cross, and Sister Joyce Vestal of Sedona, AZ, Brother and Sister-in-law’s Bob (Viola) Corliss, Ken (Sharon) Corliss, Herb (Diann) Corliss of Greeley, Marilyn (Jerry) Moore of Palisade NE, and 13 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Cross, parents, Arthur K and Margaret Cross, son Nathan Cross, and brothers, Bob and Darrell Cross.

Services will be held at Macy Allnutt Funeral Chapel, 702 13th St, Greeley, CO, at 10:00, Saturday May 18, 2019, followed by a brief reception and burial with full Military Honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Greeley.

In honor of Gene, he would ask that you hold your wife tightly, buy her flowers for no reason, dance with her in the living room, and love her deeply.

Please visit www.allnuttgreeley.com to send condolences to the family.