Pastor John Michael Cross, 67, of Milford passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Gilman Healthcare Center. He was born on November 11, 1958 in Watseka, a son of George “Bill” and Wanetta (Gossett) Cross. They preceded him in death along with two stillborn sisters; sister-in-law, Jimmie Joy Cross; and great nephew, Levi Cross.
John is survived by his four brothers, Mark (Beverly) Cross of Woodland, Steve (Sue) Cross of Milford, Rodney (Barbara) Cross of Milford, and David (Sandy) Cross of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
John was a member of Living Hope Church in Watseka and was active in "Walk to Emmaus". John earned a Liberal Arts Science Degree with a minor in Theology from the University of Illinois. He later went on to earn a Masters in Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. John had spent many years as a United Methodist Church Minister. He loved to make art with stained glass.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Living Hope Church in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 also at the church with Pastor Ben Stone, Rev. Andy Adams, Rev. Bruce Schwartz, and Daniel Cross. Burial will follow at the Body Cemetery near Woodland.
Memorials may be made to Living Hope Church in Watseka or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please share a memory of John at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
