Obituary of Richard Cross

Richard Thomas Cross was born in Lincoln Park, Michigan on May 24, 1937. Richard was one of ten children born to the late Elmer Cross and the late Thelma (Skiver) Cross. He attended Lincoln Park High School, and earned his G.E.D. Richard as a young man worked for Sander's doing home delivery. Later he would own and operate Ace Concrete Pumping. He served as the President of this venture until his retirement in 1996. Richard shared more than eighteen wonderful years with the former Sandra Martyn whom he married on October 24, 1998. He was Papa to his grandchildren, and a friend to all. Richard had a heart of gold, he taught his family to have self respect and stand up for themselves. He enjoyed traveling across the country with his bride in their motor home, but enjoyed trips around the yard on the four-wheeler or golf cart with his grandchildren just as much. Richard listed as hobbies collecting antiques automobiles and tractors, and working outside in the yard. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe. Richard Thomas Cross age 72 of Carleton passed away at 9:21pm, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at Henry Ford Hospital - West Bloomfield. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a stepson: Vincent Martyn; two brothers: Dave and Dennis Cross; and sister: Kathleen Koan. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Sandra of Carleton; a blended family of six children including: Donna Tardiff and her fiancé (Robert Streeter) of Taylor, Richard (Diane) Cross Jr. of Homer, Michigan, Pamela Cross of Virginia, Randy (Laura) Cross of Carleton, Michael Martyn II of Dearborn Heights, and Andrea (Ed) Chisholm of Livonia; three sisters: Anna Pettigrew of Alabama, Ruth (Jim) Martin of Arizonia, Esther (Joseph) Vargo of Dearborn Heights; three brothers: William (Peggy) Cross of Florida, Charles "Bud" Cross and Michael Cross both of Melvindale; nine grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where a Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Friday, November 13, 2009 with Pastor Tony Lynn of Raisinville Baptist officiating. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services, Livonia. His final resting place will be in St. Hedwig Cemetery, Dearborn Heights. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Foundation. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page.