Gary Dale Cross, age 73, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026. 

He was born on February 19, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, to Dale and Helen Cross.

He is survived by his wife, Leslie, of 42 years his children and grandchildren: daughter Cindy, her husband Matt, and their children Nate, Abby, and Ellie; son Josh, his wife Rachel, and their children Tobey, Ian, and Avi; son Nic, his wife Jeannie, and their children Grace, Aiden, Piper, and Oliver; son Gary Cross II, his wife Nicole, and their children Alaina and Bryce; and his sister Trinka and her husband Chris.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Helen Cross. While his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort knowing that Gary is now in the presence of Jesus and has finally met his three precious grandchildren, Malachi, Gabrielle, and Matthew, whom he never had the chance to meet here on earth.

Gary retired after a career as a corrections officer. During his service, he received the State of Michigan Department of Corrections Life Saving award. Outside of work, he had a deep love for music, playing guitar, singing and harmonizing with just about any song. He also spent years making music with the band, Malachi, creating songs and memories that remain a part of his story. For a little piece of Gary, Malachi’s music is available on most major streaming platforms under Malachi Music. Most importantly, though, he loved Jesus deeply. His faith was an important part of his life and the legacy he leaves with his family.But if you knew Gary, you knew he was also incredibly funny - and usually at the most inappropriate times! He had a quick wit, a perfectly timed one-liner, and a knack for finding humor in almost anything. He could have a room laughing when they least expected it, sometimes with just a few words. Gary taught his family that laughter is a gift, that it’s okay to laugh at yourself, and that some of the best memories are made in the simplest moments.And because Gary always liked to have the last word, he had already decided what he wanted written on his tombstone: “See, I told you I wasn't feeling well.” Even now, he’s getting one more laugh, just like he always wanted.The only thing bigger than his humor was his heart. Behind the laughs and the jokes was a man who loved big. He loved his family fiercely and always showed up for the people he cared about. He was the kind of person who left an impression, not because he tried to, but simply because of who he was. 

Gary leaves behind more than memories; he leaves behind stories that will be told for years, lessons that will be carried forward, and a family who was lucky enough to be loved by him.

His family will miss his humor, his stories, his deep, booming voice, his music, and all the little things that made him uniquely Gary. More than anything, they will carry forward the legacy he gave them; a legacy of love, faith, and laughter.

Gary’s immediate family will gather privately to remember and celebrate his life. 

A Celebration of Life may be held at a later date, allowing family and friends, including those who live out of state, the opportunity to come together and honor Gary.

In the meantime, we would love for those who knew Gary to share their favorite stories, memories, and moments with our family. Gary had a way of making people laugh and leaving an impression, and we would be grateful to hear the stories that made him special to you.