Paul didn’t need many words.
He never did.
Paul Edward Cross was quiet and modest, and one of the best listeners you could hope to have. And when Paul spoke, people listened—not because he demanded their attention, but because his words were thoughtful, knowledgeable, kind, and worth hearing.
That quiet demeanor shouldn’t be mistaken for complete seriousness. Paul had an ornery side, too—a trait he shared with his twelve siblings.
Born November 24, 1941, to Norbert and Ruby (Fry) Cross, Paul learned the value of hard work at his father’s gas station in Middletown, Iowa.
Paul also worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, eventually becoming a safety engineer. His career later took him to the Blue Bird Bus Company in Mt. Pleasant.
For nearly 63 years, Paul was the loving husband of Marcia (Dickman). They married October 20, 1963. He was a wonderful father to Kevin for 44 years, to Kathy for nearly 60, and a loving grandfather to Justin for 24 years.
And then there was golf.
Anyone who knew Paul knew his passion for the game. He even achieved a golfer’s dream with a hole-in-one at Deerwood Golf Club in New London.
Paul had striking blue eyes and a big smile. He was wise without needing people to know he was wise and strong without needing to prove his strength.
However, that strength was tested. Paul survived Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and later bladder cancer. In the final years of his life, he faced Alzheimer’s disease with that same quiet strength.
Paul died August 15, 2026, at age 84.
Paul is survived by his wife, Marcia; daughter, Kathy; grandson, Justin; brother Jack (Joyce) Cross; and sisters Nancy Burkett, Reva (Jim) Davis, Becky (Steve) Cutts, Lora Cross, and Terri Gordy; along with many, many neices and nephews.
Paul was welcomed to his eternal rest by: his beloved son, Kevin; parents, Norbert and Ruby; brothers Raymond, Denny, Burton, Milton, Gale, and Wayne; in-laws Clarence and Helen Dickman; Sue Cross; Phyllis Cross, Glenn Burkett, and Dick Gordy.
According to his wishes, Paul will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Paul’s honor to support Alzheimer’s research. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Paul and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com