Richard R. Cross 1922-2012
Richard R. Cross, 89, Rockford, formerly of Woodstock, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012.
He was born Nov. 29, 1922, to Nelson and Mildred Cross in Canton, Ohio. He was educated in Rockford public schools, a member of the first graduating class of the new West High School. He attended the University of Illinois and then served in the United States Army as a member of the 103rd Cactus Division in World War II. After his Army service he returned to the University of Illinois and received his law degree and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. He was associated with a law firm in Woodstock.
He married Glenna Comly in 1949. He then was recalled into the Army during the Korean conflict and served in the Judge Advocate Corps. When he returned to Woodstock, he opened his own law office, where he practiced for 50 years. During that time he served as village attorney for Algonquin and was appointed a special assistant attorney general. He served as city attorney in Woodstock until he was elected state’s attorney for McHenry County from 1960 to1968. He then returned to his private practice until his retirement. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock for more than 50 years, serving as an elder and a trustee of Presbytery.
He was a life member of the VFW, and other memberships included American Legion, past master of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites of Freeport, past worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, charter member of the McHenry County Historical Society, Friends of the Woodstock Opera House and a 50-year member of the McHenry County Farm Bureau. After retiring, he was involved in volunteer work at the McHenry County Historical Society, the food pantry and the Adult Literacy Program. After spending 60 years in Woodstock, he and his wife moved to Rockford.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Ellen (Lawrence) Katz and Martha Cross, both of Denver; two grandchildren, Daniel (Bridget) Katz, Denver, and Stephanie (Michael) Polmear, Boston; and a brother, Robert (Patricia) Cross.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Lawson; stepfather, Justus Lawson; a brother, Nelson Cross Jr.; a sister, Mildred (Claude) Sigmund; and four stepsisters, Jeane Hough, Darlene Kieffer, Ruth Pell and Vivian Wilson.
Memorials can be made to Third Presbyterian Church, Masonic Learning Center or Woodstock Opera House. Online condolences can be made at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.