Donald Ray Cross

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Donald Ray Cross, , 84, passed away August 18, 2025 in Greeley, Colorado.

Don was born in Arthur, Nebraska to Wilsie and Ruth Cross on September 19, 1941 and was raised on the family ranch along with his brothers Rex, Wayne, Harry, Robert and sister Nanna. He spent his time outside school helping on the ranch, working on cars and playing on the track and football teams in high school. It was during this time that he developed a love of nature, a good work ethic, a value for honesty, a commitment to excellence, and curiosity about the world.

 After graduation, Don attended Kearney State College where he earned Bachelor degrees in Technical Arts Education. He then extended his education by getting a Masters degree from Ball State University. While attending Ball State, he worked under the Dean of Educational Facilities Development who saw his potential and helped him develop a knowledge of and interest in planning, designing and overseeing construction of schools.

 It was there that he met his future wife Sandy O’Connell. Among their common interests was a desire to teach in California. They were married in Riverside, California after a year of teaching there. Their first year of marriage cemented their passion for travel as they explored California and spent the following summer independently traveling much of Europe.

 Having accepted teaching jobs for the fall in Colorado, they began to put down roots in Coal Creek Canyon, a mountain community outside Denver. They bought a small cabin that Don renovated into a lovely mountain home where they spent the next 53 years. Both he and Sandy began attending a church in the canyon and committed their lives to following Christ. Don served in leadership roles in the church, and emulated a Christ-like servant attitude in all areas of his life. He was a loving, devoted husband to Sandy for 59 years, supportive father to Kathy and Eric and dedicated grandfather to Karinna and Keanan. Don enjoyed sharing his love of nature, photography, hiking, backpacking, skiing and travel with family and friends. His passion for travel increased as he traveled much of the world. Some was for recreation and much for mission work as he helped build schools in Honduras and Russia.

 While Don’s devotion to the Lord and family was clearly evident, he worked especially hard in his career. Shortly after moving to Colorado, Don accepted a job in the Planning and Development Department of the Jefferson County School District. Recognizing his good work ethic and exceptional skills, Don’s boss taught him all facets of the department, encouraged him to get a Doctorate in Administration and groomed him to take over the department when he retired. For 31 years Don served the district faithfully with integrity, honesty, devotion and innovative ideas. After he retired, Don worked for 5 years as a contractor helping small school districts evaluate their buildings and create building programs.

 In 2020, Don was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He continued to live out his faith in Christ even as his brain was deteriorating. He was well known as being a very kind gentleman, respected and appreciated by his caregivers and friends. Don and Sandy moved to Greeley in 2021 to be closer to Kathy and her family. 

On August 16, 2025 he developed two massive brain bleeds after a fall. His body was still in good condition, but his brain was massively damaged from the dementia and the brain bleeds. God mercifully took him to heaven on August 18, 2025 at the age of 83.