David Randall Cross

He was born on July 7, 1967, in Salem, the son of Linda Ruth (Price) Cross French and the late Michael H. Cross and John French.

David was a lifetime area resident and was currently a machinist at Barclay Machine. He was never afraid of work from a very young age. He started to work on a farm at around 12 years old, graduated from Salem High School in 1986, went to work at (old) Bliss, did private machine shop work, Carriage Hill Foods and worked twice at Barclay Machine and most currently since 2005.

David loved his family, and always want to do the best he could for them. He was a project minded grandfather, building and making many things (Cherished memories) with the children. He also enjoyed taking them to street fairs and other events. The Johnny Appleseed event was quite popular, but you had to eat one of the famous Ruritan Apple Dumplings!

There were many interests he had, but always tried to involve everyone around him, make people smile or get a good chuckle. He loved to turn up the music in the car and act silly, wear his flannel shirts, camo and suspenders (not matching) and go to the store or the Hillbilly Mall (Rogers Sale). His taste in music may not have been for everyone, but that was David. He did enjoy the sport of hunting, fishing and being outdoors. A big fan of NASCAR and a diehard Cleveland Browns fan (win or losing). David truly enjoyed watching all kinds of stand up comedians on the TV. An avid storm watcher, if a storm was brewing, you could find him out on the porch.

David always loved anything about cars. The car shows were of great enjoyment to him. He would not only look around, but teach his family all about them. He also loved to wrench on his cars as well as teach his daughters and the grandchildren how to fix them. David was always willing to help anyone, and would go the extra mile to make sure they were taken care of properly.

In addition to his mother of Salem, he is survived by his wife of nearly 36 years, the former Theresa Mae Bailey, his three precious daughters, Samantha Dawn (Joseph) Baker of Lisbon, Allycia Rose (Travis Mathias) Cross of Lisbon and Johanna Marie Cross of Lisbon, siblings Michael (Renee) Cross of Salem, Brian (Magan) Cross of Hanoverton, Tina (Daniel) Cross-Taylor of Washingtonville, Amy (Tod Caldwell) French-Stiver of Struthers, and Nancy (Joe Mountz) Armstrong, and a stepbrother Ezera (Eleanor) French of Blue Ridge, Ga., four grandchildren, Riley Baker, Liam Baker, Madison Davis and Kole Phillips and Milo the cat, the official home greeter!.

In addition to his father Michael and stepfather John, (who was more of a father figure and raised him) he was preceded by two half siblings, Hallie Esenwein and Michael John “Red” Byers.

A Celebration of Life Gathering and viewing will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem.

12/5/22