Obituary of Robert E. ‘Bob’ Cross

Funeral services for Robert E. "Bob" Cross, Jr. are scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 27, 2012, at the Cottle Funeral Home chapel, Troup with the Reverend Doctor Paul Saylors officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the services at Bradford Cemetery. Mr. Cross was born January 1, 1925, in Lott, Texas. Mr. Cross passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. He was a member of the United States Navy, serving during World War II, where he was stationed in both Australia and the Philippines. After returning from war, he signed with the St. Louis Browns to play professional baseball. He eventually settled in Odessa, Texas for nearly 50 years before moving to Lafayette, Louisiana. Over the years, he was employed by Sinclair Oil and Gas/ ARCO for 13 years, and Sharp Drilling for 18 years. "Bob" was a member of the Dixie Masonic Lodge #272 in Troup for over 50 years. In his free time he was an avid golfer, and thoroughly enjoyed attending Houston Astros baseball and Dallas Cowboy football games, frequent IHOP outings, and spending time with his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Robert Cross; his first wife and mother of his son, Lois Cross; his second wife, Mary Frank Shotwell; a sister, Barbara Arwood; and a nephew, Dr. Robert A. Smith. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Donald E. and Elizabeth Cross of Lafayette, LA; a brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Patti Sue Cross of San Antonio, TX; two granddaughters and a grandson-in-law, Ashley Cross Blanc and Ken Blanc of Lafayette, LA, and Melissa Cross of Atlanta, GA; and two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Annemarie Blanc of Lafayette, LA. The family would like to extend special thanks to his sitters, Summer, Shaun, Janay, Shelisa, and Michelle; his doctors; and the staff and employees at Emeritus of Lafayette. The Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 27. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Heart Association.