Othell Cross

Othell Cross, 78, of East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Memorial hospital in Shiloh, IL after a short but valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born in Lexington, MS on September 21, 1944, then years later, his family relocated to East St. Louis which was his home until the end of his life.

He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Othell will be remembered as a great man that wore many hats over the years. He honored our country by serving in the Vietnam war, and went on to work as an electrician for Local IBEW 309, which he retired from. He also obtained his license as an Illinois real estate agent, and the list goes on of things Othell accomplished in his lifetime. He was able to fix anything, which was his true hobby at heart, Othell will be known best for being a kind man with a baritone voice, always having a bright smile, and willing to help anyone in need of a hand. 

Othell is survived by his wife, Kecia Cross, with whom he had just celebrated 48 years of marriage; his sisters, Nora (Bobby) Gentry, Janice Hall and Evelyn Cross; his children Russell (Sandi) Cross, Yvette (Benjamin) Pete,  Anna (Lamont) Clark, and Sherrie (Lee) Halbert; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy and Lilly C. Cross; and a brother, Robert L. Cross.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Kassly Mortuary,  Fairview Heights, IL.

Eulogy service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023. The committal of his cremated remains will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO at 2:00 p.m.

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