Charles “Chuck” R. Cross was born in Ludington, Michigan on March 3, 1933. Passed May 3, 2024 at the age of 91 years and two months. Married to Darlene Bright Cross for 49 years, two-and-a-half months; daughter Sandi Cross Casey (Neil) and four grandchildren, Breanna Morgan, Paige Morgan, Alan Casey and Jaylynn Casey. Preceded in death by son-in-law Bryan Morgan.
Chuck led a very long and fulfilling life. He grew up in Michigan. He always told the story about being a deck hand for old man Olds of Oldsmobile fame. He always tried to help his family in any way he could. The family moved to the San Diego area when he was a junior in high school. Graduated from Grossmont High. He then moved back to Michigan to go into the fishing business on the Great Lakes, the family business. He didn’t do so well in that endeavor. He was drafted into the Army and ended up being stationed in Ft. Lewis WA, was set to go to Korea but the Armistice was signed the day before he was to ship out so he didn’t have to go. After the Army, he went back and forth between Michigan and the San Diego area. He worked on the car ferry between Michigan and Wisconsin as well as lower to upper Michigan as well as working on the construction of the bridge between lower and upper Michigan. He returned to the San Diego area and harvested kelp from the ocean, helped build boats and then delivering them to Seattle, and became a Millwright in Construction. Later, he became a store owner in Modesto - Modesto Interiors, Spas and Stoves.
Chuck met Darlene on a blind date and they were married 10 weeks later. Married Feb. 22, 1975. Organizations belonged to are Oak Summit Masonic Lodge, Summit and Escallonia Chapters, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion, Sciots, Old Fisherman’s Club until moving to Oakdale. He helped for many years with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and received his Grand Cross. Chuck was a member of Aahmes Shriners out of Livermore, covering the valley up to Sonora and along the coast north to Eureka and beyond. He was Potentate in 2007. Within the Shriners there are many clubs and units he was a part of. The family thinks his favorite was the Shrine Clowns with a clown name of crazy Charlie. He was the Chief of the Clowns in 2012. For those of you who went to the Rodeo Parade, he was the one on the lawn mower.
The family is having a delayed Memorial, Celebration of Life so all the grandchildren can be here. It will start at 11 a.m. at Sandi’s home on June 29, 2024. Directions to the house: Corner of Warnerville and Emery. When you see the for sale sign of Ashley Ardis, turn south on dirt lane then follow the signs or balloons. If you need further directions, please call either number below. Everyone is welcome so please call. Any donations should be made to the Shriners Hospital. Those who knew him know how much he enjoyed “a party” so we are going to have one after the formal part with a Masonic and Eastern Star service. Be ready to share your stories.
Contact info: darlenecross33@gmail.com
Cell: 209-605-9852
Sandi Casey: 209-606-4311
Oakdale-Riverbank Memorial Chapel is handling the particulars.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
June 12, 2024
