Jake Cross

Jake Cross, 98, lifetime Arthur rancher, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013,in his home. Jean "Jake" Cross was born July 1, 1914 on the family Kincaid homestead in Arthur County. His parents were Henry and Lillian (Golzio) Cross. After the death of Lillian, Jake and two brothers were raised by their maternal grandparents. He attended Arthur County District 7 School and graduated from high school in 1931 with normal education training. He taught one year in District 44 on the Garden County line and boarded with the Fred Starkey family. He then traveled and worked in Montana and later in northern California. The Civilian Conservation Corp camp helped him get established in the park and forestry service. Jake entered the Army on July 22, 1941 and served stateside and in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged from Camp Beale with the rank of sergeant. He resumed working in the forestry service in Oregon and California and then returned to Nebraska. In 1947 Jake was united in marriage to Lucille Monhart Hill. The couple resided in Arthur and Jake was employed in the construction of Kingsley Dam. The family moved to Sutherlin, Ore. for a time and then relocated to Arthur County where they settled on his father's homestead. In 1956, Jake began his construction business. He also purchased a small herd of cattle to tend while continuing his construction. He never really retired and enjoyed sharing ranching with retired son, Joe, the last twelve years. His hobbies included reading, gardening, and playing percussion in the family band. Preceding him in death were his parents, step-mom Caroline Cross, and five brothers: George, Wilsie, Don, Burt and Percy. Survivors include his wife Lucille Cross and his son Joe Cross, both of Arthur; Three daughters: Bonnie Jean Nutt of College Station, Tex., Judy Ann (Jeffrey) Little of Sioux Falls, So.Dak., and Mary Jane (Richard) Oliver of Maryville, Missouri. Also nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, May 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Arthur Baptist Church. The funeral service will be Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. in the Arthur Baptist Church with Rev. Ben Keene officiating. Interment is in the Arthur Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion E.J. Yates Post #207 and the Keith County Veterans Organization. A memorial has been established to the Arthur Baptist Church.

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