Linfield "Si" Cross

Linfield "Si" Cross Jr., 89, of Carterville, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at the VA Medical Center Nursing Home in Marion.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Carterville, with Rev. Brad Harlow officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Herrin V.F.W. and American Legion Post, Carterville American Legion Post, and Army National Guard Ritual Team, immediately following the memorial service.  Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VA CLC Hospice, 2401 W. Main Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.

Si was born on July 28, 1929, in Linwood, Pennsylvania, to Linfield and Mary (Hobbs) Cross. He met and married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Ovell on May 31, 1958. Together they have shared 60 wonderful years. At the time of their union, Si became a "big brother" to 4 sisters-in-law, who have loved him very much and he the same.

He is survived by his beloved wife, M.E. Cross of Carterville; son, Roger (Jeanne) Cross and their children, Ben and Anna Cross; daughter, Bobbi Jo (Bruce) Bryan and their children, Kyle DeVore, Miranda DeVore and Dayla DeVore; brother, Thomas Cross of Claymont, Delaware; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Si was preceded in death by his parents.

He honorably served our country in the U.S. Army entering in November of 1949 with the 1st Calvary. Si was stationed in Japan when the war broke out and became wounded in action. It wasn't until September 28, 2007, 57 years later, that Si was awarded the Purple Heart for his brave actions.

For 16 years, Si was the food service director at Houghton College in Western New York. He worked a few other places over the years, but retired as a stock room manager from Motorola.

He was a Harley riding, football cheering, avid reader of a good Sherlock Holmes mystery kind of a guy. Si, along with his wife, M. E., traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and toured the continental United States by way of motor home.   

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