Lester Vernie Cross

Lester V. Cross, age 89, passed from this old world into his Heavenly home on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM at his home, while being attended to and cared for by his loving wife of 38 years, Rebecca Cross and the wonderful nurses of Brightmore Home Care of KY as well as other family members.

He was saved at Freewill Baptist Church in Cannelton, Indiana on September 9, 1973.  Later in life, he faithfully attended and became a member of Bardwell Baptist Church.

After a hard scrabble beginning in Red Level, Alabama, Lester became a jack of all trades.  If you could dream it up, he had done it and mastered darn near all of them.  He was at one time or another an over the road truck driver, farmer, carpenter, construction foreman, motorcycle enthusiast, and many other professions too numerous to list.  He spent most of his adult life with a torch and welding rod in his hands.  He also became a 33^rd degree Mason.   After retiring in 1995, he spent most of his time fishing and hunting.  He could and would tell you every spot he had ever caught a fish or killed a squirrel.  He always gave whatever he caught or killed to folks who couldn’t do the same.  He also found great joy in running his dogs Dooley and Queeny, riding his mule, Rocky and parading with his homemade buggy pulled by his horse, Star.  He was also known to ride around the block in that buggy giving friends and neighbors alike the experience of old-time transportation.  In his free time from hunting and fishing, he took pleasure in sitting for hours in his man cave watching his Martins fly in and out of the houses he had constructed for them.  Legend has it that the neighborhood sparrows and starlings became fewer in number during the long Spring days he saw willing away the hours but no one know for sure!

In the South he would have been known as an old codger due to his gruff manner but deep down inside especially toward the end of his life the soft side of the man began to show, and he expressed “ I love you” and “thank you” with tears in his eyes every time someone close to him left his presence.  He was certainly a character to remember.

Besides Becky, Lester is survived by his beloved son James (Kim) Cross of Sanford, Michigan and daughter Melissa (Steve) Ottjepka of Midland, Michigan.  Bonus Children, Cindy Martin of Redland, KY, Donna (Steve) Martin-McGee of Mayfield, KY and Michael (Stephanie) Martin of Hazelton, Indiana.   Seven grandchildren, David Cross, Julie Daratony, Olivia cross, Joe Ben Hogancamp, Ginger Hogancamp, Ashlynne Alvarex, Darien Martin, And Kylie Warner.  As wee as seven great-grandchildren, Graham, Griffin, Macee, Lyndee, Aubree, Ayden, and Cielo.  Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Bernie & Marie (Nalls) and two brothers, Virgil and Darrell, and one sister, Gloria.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:00am at Roselawn Cemetery in Bardwell, KY with the Rev. Jason Burnett and Rev. Rodney Bice officiating.   Masonic rights will be given at the beginning of the service. Internment will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in Mr. Cross’ honor may be made to the Gideons International, International Essential Tremor Foundation on line or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  

Lindsey Funeral Home in Paducah, KY is in charge of arrangements.