BELLE RIVE -- Danny Lee Cross, 56, passed away at 8:01 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010. He was born Aug. 8, 1954, in Mount Vernon, the son of Huel and Susie Lee (Sneed) Cross. He married Denise Gay Brown on June 10, 1989; she survives. Danny was a farmer. He graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School, and he received his bachelor's degree and master's degree in business from Southern Illinois University. He was a former member of Mount Vernon Township High School Board. He taught business classes at Rend Lake College and served on Farm Mutual Insurance Board of Directors. Danny was a member of Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Belle Rive Masonic Lodge and West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on several business committees. He also coached girls' basketball at Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School and Little League baseball teams for several years. He is survived by his wife, Denise Gay Cross; three sons, Ryan and Ashley Cross of Newburgh, Ind., Dan Bleyer of Carbondale and Caleb Cross of Carbondale; daughter, Chelsea Cross of Belle Rive; mother, Susie Lee Cross of Belle Rive; sister, Judi and husband, Jerry Wilson, of Middleville, Mich.; brother, Terry and wife, Judy Cross, of LaSalle; two grandchildren, Jacksen and Laben Cross of Newburgh, Ind.; father and mother-in law, Hobart and Mary Brown of Cambria; sister-in-law, Shelly and husband, Harry Collins, of Carterville; and brother-in-law, David and wife, Anita Brown, of Cambria; along with several nieces and nephews. Danny was preceded in death by his father, Huel Cross. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, in West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, with the Rev. Brad Henson officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery near Dahlgren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church. Memorials may be made to West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the church or Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren, which is in charge of arrangements. Those not familiar with Danny's battle against cancer should be well aware that he survived much longer than any of his doctors' expectations. Danny's success can be attributed to two factors: his bravery and his love for his family. During his illness, Danny was always upbeat and uncomplaining, and he put his family first. Danny was determined that he wasn't going to be cheated out of one second with his loved ones. And, through his bravery and determination, he bought precious time, and it was quality time. When faced with the news that his battle was over, Danny exhibited the same dignity and courage he had shown throughout his fight. Danny's life was an example of how a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and son-in-law should live. Ultimately, Danny's last gift to us was to show us how a real man should leave this world. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on October 26, 2010