John Joseph "Joey" Cross, of Wyatt, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on December 10, 2025, at the age of 62, surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 18, 1963, in Cairo, IL to the late John Wayne Cross and Mary Lois Sheckell Cross, Joey lived a life defined by hard work, service to his community, and deep devotion to his family. He worked an array of jobs throughout his life, including environmental cleanup, truck driving, and mechanical work— fields in which he took pride and through which he made countless friends.

For 20 years, Joey served with the Wyatt Volunteer Fire Department, dedicating himself to the safety and well-being of others. He served the last five years as Fire Chief, a role he fulfilled with honor and commitment.

Joey's greatest accomplishment, and the source of his deepest pride, was his family. He had a gift for bringing laughter into every room he entered, and he loved nothing more than making his family smile.

He is survived by his loving partner, Mary Ruth Wicker Cross; his children, Joseph Cross and Wendy (Jared) Walker; and his grandchildren, John D. Cross, Grant Walker, and Scarlett Walker.

He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Tony) Tetley; his mother-in-law Sharron Wicker; sister-in-law Ida Williams; brother-in-law John L. Wicker; nieces and nephews James Williams, Megan Williams, Jennifer Putnam, Jena Taber, Scott Cross, Michayla Wicker, Allegra Wicker, Brinley Wicker, and Kessid Wicker; and great-nieces Mila Williams and Natalie Brown-Williams.

He was preceded in death by his siblings John Wayne Cross, John Randall Cross, and Johnny Lynn Cross, as well as his father-in-law, John L. Wicker.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Missouri. Family visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with friends welcomed at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Joey will be remembered for his steady presence, his warmth, his humor, and the deep love he carried for his family and community.