Born on June 15, 1934, in Lubbock, Texas, Ben was the son of Henry Wilson Cross and Emma Elizabeth Wilson Cross. From an early age, he developed a love for the land and a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. He pursued higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from Texas Tech University and later a Master of Science in Biology from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce).
Ben proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army 11th Armored Cavalry regiment from 1956 to 1958. Stationed in Germany during the Cold War era, he patrolled the border of what is now the Czech Republic - an experience that shaped his sense of duty and discipline.
At the heart of Ben's life was his devotion to family. After his military service, Ben met and married his lifelong love, Jo Ann Mathews, to whom he was married for 65 years. Together he and his ''Shug'' (Sugar) raised three daughters: Carol Ann Wise, Cheryl Lynn Oliver, and Jeanne Kathleen Cross. His family circle extended through sons-in-law John Wise, Curtis Oliver, and Michael Baxley; grandchildren Ben Rogers Wise, Madeline Claire Wise Cavanaugh, and James Baxley-Cross; and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy.
Ben embarked on a distinguished career in education that would leave a lasting legacy. He joined the Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) in 1961, becoming Head of the Science Department at North Mesquite High School in 1970 and serving in that role until 1991. A visionary educator, Ben established MISD's Advanced Science program and developed an innovative marine biology course that included hands-on learning experiences along the Texas coast. His commitment to excellence earned him recognition as a charter member of Apple Corps, a peer-elected MISD teaching honor society.
In recognition of their profound impact on generations of students and their community, Ben and Jo Ann were honored in 2023 when MISD named Ben and Jo Ann Cross Elementary School after them - a tribute to their shared dedication to education and service.
Beyond the classroom, Ben was deeply connected to the land. He found joy in cattle ranching and cherished time spent outdoors. Known for his honesty and hard work, he was respected as a true neighbor - always ready to lend a hand.
Those who knew Ben remember him as humble yet inspiring - a man whose actions spoke louder than words. ''Whatever it takes'' was more than just a motto for him; it was how he lived every day - quietly doing what needed to be done for those he loved - and always with a beautiful smile and contagious positivity.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don Ackland Cross, and is survived by his wife Jo Ann Cross, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Ben's life will be held January 18, 3:00-5:00 pm, at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home, 5100 Interstate 30, Greenville, TX 75402.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire the many whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ben and Jo Ann Cross Elementary School, 6425 Park Vista Dr., Mesquite, TX 75181.
Condolences(6)
David Oldright I
Mesquite, TX Wednesday, January 7, 2026 There are no words to express how much influence Ben and JoAnn Cross have had. The kind of influence we are missing in the world today. May your hearts heal and may he Rest in Peace until we are all reunited. Blessings and Love.Tracy Manos George
Arlington, TX Wednesday, January 7, 2026 I am so proud for you, JoAnn, and your family. You are the the keepers of the story for Ben. He is so lucky to have you to carry on his legacy.I am saddened for your loss of him, but the love and admiration of this man will never be lost.
Art Greenhaw
Mesquite, TX Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Reading today of the passing of Mr. Cross brought sadness at this earthly loss of a great man along with memories of excellence in education and the field of science as lived and taught by Mr. Cross, Mrs. Cross, and the entire Cross family. Mr. Cross was certainly a role model for me, and I was extremely fortunate and lucky to have him as 9th grade science teacher at Agnew Junior High. I so remember his total grasp of the subject matter and his ability to make science relevant to life. I can still so vividly remember his style of penmanship on the blackboard and on class assignments. I kept Mr. Cross' graded essays for years, and many of these papers are now in our collection at the Dallas Central Public Library, Texas-Dallas Archives. Mr. Cross always led with dignity, strength, confidence and individualism. Bureaucratic organizations like school districts and city-state-national government bodies always have such an employee mixture that the Charles Dickens quote always comes to my mind: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the time of light, it was the time of darkness..." Mesquite, Dallas and all its institutions certainly at various times have embodied both the best of times and the worst of times. I and all of Mr. Cross' students down through the years are so very grateful---and we have been so very blessed---that Mr. Cross at every turn and fork of life's road always exemplified the Best, Wisdom, and the Light. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Cross and Family. We'll meet you again at the Gate and In the Morning,Melissa Porter
Odessa, MO Tuesday, January 6, 2026 So happy to have him in our family.He was truly a humble person.
An example to so many.
You are in our prayers.
William Niell
Cedar Hill, TX Tuesday, January 6, 2026 My deepest sympathy for your loss and prayer for support at this time and beyond.Ben Anglin
Sulphur Springs, TX Tuesday, January 6, 2026 My deepest sympathies to you Jo Ann & your family.