Melvin "Mel" Cross

Melvin “Mel” Cross, 89, of Goshen, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016, at his home.

He was born May 26, 1927 in Middlebury to Mahlon and Edna (Bontrager) Cross.

On December 20, 1947 he married Marie Steury at Townline Church, Topeka.  She died September 4, 2005.

Survivors include two children, Michael (Mary Ann Lienhart) Cross of Elkhart and Patricia (Jeryl) Hochstedler of Goshen; two grandchildren Adam (Jen) Hochstedler and Danae (Justin) Bell; four great-grandchildren and six siblings, Amanda Thomas of Goshen, Alvin Cross of Prescott, Arizona, Mahlon (Louella) Cross, Jr. of Topeka, Ken (Inez) Cross of San Antonio, Texas, Jim Cross of Elkhart and Alan Jay (Wanda) Cross of New Paris.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marie; a son, Jack Cross; a brother, Howard “Chap” Cross and a sister, Sylvia Ann Frey.

A lifelong area resident, Mel was very involved in Elkhart County 4-H activities.  He served as a fair board president and as a leader of the 4-H Saddle Club.  He will be greatly missed as the barn manager in the rocking chair in the draft horse barn during the fair.

He was a former member of the Exchange Club and of the Elkhart Township Fire Department where he played Santa.  He was a member of Waterford Mennonite Church.

Mel owned and operated Cross Excavating.  For many years he also drove bus for Goshen Community Schools and served as sexton of Violett Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday, December 9, 2016, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and again Saturday, December 10, from 9 until the 10 a.m. funeral at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Ken Hunn, Jefferson Community Church will officiate.

Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Elkhart County 4-H Fair Mel Cross Memorial for Draft and Saddle Horse activities.