Elmer Karl Cross, age 94, a resident of Peeltree, passed away Monday April 21, 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital in Buckhannon. Elmer was born July 31, 1930 on the family farm at Rockford Community in Barbour County, a son of the late Stanley Clyde and Margie Francis (Mouser) Cross. He was named after Drs Elmer and Karl Myers, one of whom delivered him.
Elmer retired from Mon Power Company as a foreman, and in earlier years he worked as a lineman. Elmer loved to hunt, traveling on hunting trips to several states out west including Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas. He was also an avid fisherman. Elmer enjoyed woodworking and made several trinket boxes. He also enjoyed gardening and tending to his yardwork. Elmer liked to watch westerns, especially Gunsmoke, and listen to gospel music.
Elmer was a member of the Johnstown Lion’s Club, a Patron Member of the National Rifle Association, and a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Waterloo Sportsman Club, and the Whitehorse Rifle Range. In earlier years he attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Buckhannon, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and sang in the choir. Currently, he attended the Boulder Community Church.
Surviving is his loving wife of 75 years, Alta Cleo (Gainer) Cross, whom he married in Oakland, MD, on November 20, 1949; children Vonda Shingleton of St. Mary’s, WV, Victor Cross and wife Kimberly of Volga, Joyce Groover of Indiana, and Alicia Cross of Clarksburg; grandchildren Aaron Johnson and wife Khelsea, Carrie Kelley and husband BJ all of Indiana, Audrey Cross of Volga, Jerica Carpenter and husband Bo of French Creek; great-grandchildren Caleb, Maddox, Maverick, Memphis, Parker, Lexi, MacKoy, Maecon, Montgomery; step great-grandchildren Ashley, Tiffany, Bryson, Luke; step great-great-grandchildren Bentley, Jacob, Harlynn, and Waylon; sisters-in-law Louella Cross, Eldare Moore, and Mary Moore and husband Okey Ray.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Stanley Clyde and Margie Francis Cross; son Karl Blaine Cross; sons-in-law Larry Shingleton and Danny Groover; brother William “Buddy” Cross; and sister Louise Freeman and husband Charlie.
Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home, 220 N. Walnut St., Philippi, on Saturday, April 26, from 12 – 2 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Rick Price officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial contribution be made to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com.
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