Christopher Cross Obituary

Christopher P. Cross was born on October 25, 1951, in Lawrence, Kansas to Phyllis Green Cross and Phillip T. Cross. He weighed 9 pounds at birth thus his Gramps (B.A. Green) called him "Champ."

He spent his early childhood in Lawrence, as an only child for nearly a decade, happy and carefree, the pride and joy of his parents and Gramps. He was surrounded by his Aunts, Uncles and cousins. His Gramps named his private street "Chris Cross St." in honor of Christopher. Chris always loved being outside and roamed around the 20 acres with ponies, cows, pasture, garden and his first best dog friend, Mut.

He made his first trip (of many) to Colorado at six weeks old to meet his paternal Colorado family. He spent his school years from first grade to High School graduation in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He was involved with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, camping, fishing, hunting and flying with his father and family…co-piloting whatever prop plane his Dad had at the time.

He was very active in football and baseball. His baseball team made it to the Little League World Series of 1964 where they lost to Mexico. The Staten Island, NY team beat Mexico and became Champions.

His only child status ended when his sister came into the world followed by his brother. He went to Oklahoma State University then graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Kansas.

His young work life included baling hay, working for his Gramps construction company, (B.A. Green Construction) and entrepreneurial sales. He worked on the Ekofisk project in the North Sea and in the Gulf of Mexico for Phillips Petroleum.

His professional career in finance included working for various firms in the Los Angeles and Pasadena area and in Kansas City before he retired.

He married his wife, Stella, whom he loved dearly, at the Little Brown Church in Studio City, CA. They were married for 32 years.

He loved to golf and went on several golfing trips to various locations and resorts, Pebble Beach, St. Andrew's, etc. with family and friends. He golfed with his father at Alvamar Country Club for several years.

Chris was extremely intelligent, funny, practical, private and sometimes stubborn. He was a great grill master which we all enjoyed. He was a "walking encyclopedia" and would have been a great "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" Phone-a-Friend.

He was a lifelong nature lover who enjoyed wildlife wherever he went in the world and an animal lover, loving his various pets over his lifetime.

In his last years when he could no longer play golf, he enjoyed watching golf on TV, the Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, the Royals, and the news and stock market news.

He gave cancer a valiant fight until the end. He died a "Champ" in our eyes- therefore living up to the name that his Gramps bestowed upon him nearly 74 years ago.

He was loved and is loved and missed dearly by all of us he left behind. He was predeceased by his father, P.T. Cross.

Chris leaves behind his beloved wife Stella, his mother Phyllis, his brother Miles, his sister J. (Sally), and Angel and several cousins, friends and great neighbors.

He will be buried in a private family service at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at Arterra Event Gallery Sunday, September 21st, 2025, in Lawrence KS from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

In honor of Chris - donations may be sent to Great Plains SPCA Pet Adoption Center or Saint Jude's Children Research Hospital.