Ben D. Cross

Ben Donald Cross

October 12, 1955 – October 3, 2024

Ben Donald Cross, age 68 of Monroe, passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side at 9:53 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. He had been in declining health for twelve years.

Born October 12, 1955, in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Jesse and Lucille (Felty) Cross. He attended Sullivan East High School, graduating with the class of 1973. Ben met his loving wife, Teresa Morrell, through her brother, Tim, and married her at the East Tennessee University Chapel on January 19, 1976. From this union three children would be born. Ben worked for Detroit Edison as an Instrument and Control Technician Supervisor, retiring in 2012. He continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and finally a master’s degree in education from Western International University. He served as a Liaison Officer for the Ambassadors to Africa. Ben was a professor at Owens Community College, teaching English for Industrial Majors for many years.  He and his son also owned Ben and Calvin Baseball Card Shop from 1986 to 1990.

Ben was an ardent University of Tennessee Vols fan, supporting all sports. Most residents of Monroe can recall his white Suzuki emblazoned with the Vols “T” on the front and back cruising the roads. He was also proud to have articles he wrote featured on the Volquest website. Ben enjoyed golfing, playing in the Fermi league and was a skilled bowler.

To cherish his memory, Ben leaves his loving wife of forty-eight years, Teresa Cross; three children: Calvin Cross of Monroe, Christina “Lucy” Cross of Monroe, and Jessica (Shawn) Peterson of LaSalle; two sisters, Patricia Harkleroad of Louisville, Kentucky, and Mary (Red) Anderson of Ooltewah, Tennessee; three grandchildren: Deven West, Hayden Peterson, and Elaina Peterson; and two brothers-in-law, Tim and Gary (Jayne) Morrell, both of Monroe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one nephew, Brad Harkleroad; one brother-in-law, Jack Harkleroad; and one sister-in-law, Rita Morrell.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until services celebrating his life begin at 5 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161 with Rev. Larry Detruf officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of V.F.W. Post 1138, Monroe. His cremated remains will be interred at Cross Cemetery in Piney Flats, Tennessee, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ben’s memory are suggested to Blue Stone Voices for Autism or Kentucky Special Olympics.

Online condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.