Burton B. Cross

Mass of Christian Burial for Burt Cross, 74, will be Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chariton. Family will receive friends Monday, September 22, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A Rosary Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Circle of Life Hospice. Burton B. Cross was born August 26, 1940 to Norbert and Ruby Cross in Wapello, Iowa. He is one of 13 children from the Cross family. Burt graduated from Burlington High School. After graduating, he entered the Air Force and served four years. After his service in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Rita Beine, also of Burlington. They married June 13, 1964 and just celebrated 50 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two daughters: Corine and Jenny, who adored their father. He attended Burlington Community College and pursued a career in banking and finance. Burt moved to Chariton, Iowa in 1978 and was the bank president there for over 20 years. He worked in the banking industry over 35 years, retiring from US Bank. He loved the city of Chariton and enjoyed volunteering and serving his community. Burt was active in many organizations. He was President of the Chariton Chamber of Commerce, Rotary President, Chariton City Council member, Lucas County Inter Church Ministry Center, and Chariton Community Betterment volunteer. He was awarded Chariton Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer to Lucas County Health Center, The Paul Harris Fellow Rotary Award, Honorary Membership at Chariton Rotary, Distinguished Service Award for Lucas County Auditorium and Community Center. Burt loved his church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He enjoyed volunteering in the Knights of Columbus, Minister of Eucharist, President of Church Council, CCD instructor, lectern and volunteered in many other capacities to help his church and community. His family will cherish their memories of him golfing, boating, fishing, many outings at Red Haw, bridge games, and watching his Iowa Hawkeyes. Burt passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family on September 19, 2014 at the age of 74 years. Preceding Burt in death were his parents, Norbert and Ruby Cross; and brothers: Raymond, Milton, Wayne, and Gale Cross. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Rita; daughters: Corine (John) Blunt of McKinney, TX and Jenny (Joe) Cross of St. Louis, MO; three grandchildren: Clark, Bailey, and Carter Blunt. Also surviving are brothers: Denny (Phyllis) Cross, Paul (Marcia) Cross, and Jack (Joyce) Cross; sisters: Nancy (Glenn) Burkett, Reva (Jim) Davis, Becky (Steve) Cutts, Lora Cross, Terri (Dick) Gordy; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.