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Ben Wilson Cross, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the family home near Wolfe City, Texas. A beloved educator, rancher, veteran, and family man, Ben lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering dedication, infinite patience, and deep humility.
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.
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.