John Darrell Cross

John Darrel Cross, 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 6, 2023. He was born in rural West Virginia November 21, 1937 to Ernest and Evelyn Cross. He was one of six boys, one being his twin.

He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 16 along with his twin brother. He received an honorable discharge in California 3 years later. After his discharge, he joined the Menlo Park Fire District where he served until 1972. He injured his back and was forced into early retirement.

During his service, he met his "first and only love", Vickie Bysheim. After dating for only 6 months, they were married on November 23, 1958 in Redwood City, California. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. They had 2 children together; a son, David Lee Cross and a daughter, Cathrine Annette Cross (Ross).

After he was forced into retirement from the fire department, the family relocated to Wyoming. John had visited Wyoming on several occasions to enjoy fishing and big game hunting. He thought it would be a perfect location to raise his family.

John began studying for the real estate exam and obtained his license. While working in the field, it was discovered that he was a natural born salesman with the gift of gab!

In the early 80s, the oilfield boomed. John decided to hang up his real estate hat and enter into the oilfield. Having found success, he eventually opened his own office (Roughneck Incorporated) selling equipment. Eventually, the oilfield lost momentum and John closed his business to retire.

After retirement, he needed to find something to fill his days. Being a a fan of Toyota vehicles, John decided to become a salesman at Foss Toyota. He loved the interactions with customers and being a regular top salesman.

When he wasn't working, John loved the outdoors. He would boat, waterski, fish, hunt, hike, garden or just sit in the mountains watching the wildlife. He also had an extensive collection of clown figurines that he accumulated over the years. He proudly displayed them in a curio cabinet in his home.

Dad always said, "I started out with nothing and received more than I ever dreamed of." He was the life of any party! We will miss his charisma, sense of humor and wit.

John was survived by his wife Vickie; son, David (Tammy) Cross and their children, Tina (Tom) Burkett and Cynthia (Travis) Sides; daughter Cathrine (Scott) Ross and their children Tanner and Sydney Ross. Brothers Dick Cross of Casper, WY and Ralph Cross of Okeene, OK. As well as many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

The memorial service is scheduled for 11 am, August 18, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 710 East Second Street, Casper, WY, 82601.

John's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.