JOHN CROSS

CHARLESTON -- Former mayor John W. Cross, 71, of Charleston died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, at Bertrand Retirement Facility.

He was born Sept. 9, 1927, at Hayti, son of Talbert E. and Idell Williams Cross. He and Jane French were married Feb. 25, 1977.

Cross lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He formerly owned and operated Wyatt Junction Truckstop at Wyatt, and John's Restaurant in Charleston. He was a truck driver with Pullen Brothers Trucking Co., retiring in 1990.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a past commander of VFW Post 4294.

Survivors include his wife; six sons, John "Randy" Cross, Oliver French III, Joseph and Billy French, all of Charleston, Johnny and Joey Cross of Wyatt; two daughters, Kathy Tetley of Columbia, Teresa Small of Paducah, Ky.; four brothers, James and Buford Cross of Hayti, Mack and Gene Cross of Portageville; a sister, Bea Hastings of Steele; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held later.

McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston was in charge of arrangements.