Harley Cross

Harley Nathan Cross, age 92, of Howard, gained his wings on February 10, 2020. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 15, 2020, at the Howard United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Howard. Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Friday, at the Willoughby Funeral Home.

Harley was born on a farmstead near Howard S.D. on March 17, 1927, to Charles and Emma (Jacobs) Cross. He was baptized and confirmed into Beach United Methodist Church in Howard. His first eight years of schooling occurred at Erickson Country School. He then transferred to Howard High School, where he graduated in 1945. Harley was drafted into the Army in 1945 to serve in Korea at the end of World War II. During this time he received the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) Victory Medal Meritorious Unit Award. After being honorably discharged he returned to his family farm northeast of Howard where he farmed with his father and brother.

Harley married Mavis Ford of Madison S.D. on September 24, 1950. They remained on the farm where they had four children; Michael Harley, David Mathew, Darlene Deborah, and Alice Jean.

Harley joined the Naval Reserve in 1959 and served until he retired in 1987. While in the Reserves, Harley studied and received his electrician license.

In 1978, Harley and Mavis moved to Howard. At that time he started C&S Electrical and Plumbing with Randy Schumaker. Harley always put work ahead of play, such as the time he made his out of state hunters unload a semi of lumber before he would let them go hunting on opening day of pheasant hunting season.

Harley’s retirement time was spent helping on the farm and tinkering with electric motors. Harley enjoyed spending time with family and friends at reunions, holidays, and especially when fishing, hunting, and camping.

Those grateful for sharing Harley’s life are: wife, Mavis; son, David (Marla) Cross; daughters, Darlene (Richard) Fox and Alice (Terry) Ronk; Peggy Cross; 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and numerous friends and relatives.

Harley is preceded in death by his parents, son, Michael; granddaughter, Shellynn Rae Fox; brothers, Jessie, Darrell, Russell, sisters, Verlee (infant), Deloris, Avenelle, Inez and Mosella; and sisters-in-law, Marjorie and Betty.