Mark Cross

LEXINGTON – Mark Edward Cross, 59, husband of Diane Smith Cross, died Friday, July 6, 2012, after a determined fight with an illness.

He was born Feb. 21, 1953, in Alliance, Ohio, to Helen Tate Cross and Edward Cross.

Mark spent his life exploring new frontiers with Diane, his soul mate and partner in many of his adventures. The couple raised their family in Alaska, a place that suited Mark’s spontaneous spirit. He lived a full and prosperous life as a college track star at Kent State University, an intrepid world traveler, and dedicated himself to teaching children of all ages.

Mark most recently worked as guidance counselor at the Early Learning Village in Frankfort, Ky., where his wife works as a kindergarten teacher.

Mark’s family will remember him as an adventurer and sci-fi fanatic, a loving husband and father, who did everything with boundless enthusiasm.

In addition to his wife, Mark is survived by his son, Nathan Cross, and his wife, Mare, of Minneapolis, Minn.; daughter, Kelly Cross of New York, N.Y.; brother, Matt Cross, and his wife, Chris; and his mother, Helen Cross. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Cross.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross at 1450 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.

The service will be held at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road on Monday, July 9th at 2:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at Palomar Hills.