Col. Richard Warren Cross Sr.

Colonel Richard W. Cross, Sr., U.S. Air Force (Retired)

August 9, 1935 – July 28, 2026

Colonel Richard W. Cross, Sr., U.S. Air Force (Retired), age 90, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by his family at his daughter’s home in Fairfax Station, Virginia. A decorated Command Pilot and proud career Air Force officer, Colonel Cross devoted 30 years of his life to serving his country with honor, courage, and distinction.

Richard was born on August 9, 1935, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from Southern Illinois University, where he met the love of his life, Linda Rae Cross. They married and shared more than 65 years together. Their marriage was a remarkable testament to enduring love and devotion. Richard cherished Linda throughout their life together and remained devoted to her until her passing in April 2026. He lived only three and a half months without his beloved wife—a final reflection of the extraordinary bond they shared.

Together, Richard and Linda raised two children, Deborah L. Bier (Matthew) and Richard W. Cross, Jr. (Lourdes). He was a proud PopPop to Rose Bier Draper (Jonathan) and James Owen Bier, and Grandpa to Richard Antonio Cross and Liliana Francys Cross. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Shiloh Rae Draper. His family was the source of tremendous pride and joy throughout his life.

Richard’s 30-year Air Force career was one of exceptional service and accomplishment. A decorated Command Pilot, he accumulated more than 6,000 flight hours in the C-141 Starlifter alone (the aircraft he especially loved), adding many more hours in multiple other Air Force aircraft. In 1968, he completed airborne training and earned the U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, “jump wings” an accomplishment of which he was particularly proud.

Richard distinguished himself throughout a remarkable career in strategic airlift, serving in Vietnam, overseas locations, expeditionary operations, and Antarctica. His extensive operational experience led to senior command, executive, and joint-service leadership positions, where he was entrusted with increasingly significant responsibilities. His exceptional service and leadership were recognized with two of the military’s highest-level awards, the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Among his other military decorations were the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Antarctica Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and numerous other awards, ribbons, and decorations.

After retiring from the Air Force, Richard devoted himself to his family and to the many interests that brought him happiness. He loved music and played the guitar for most of his life. He was an avid golfer who played courses around the world, including the legendary Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. He also had the remarkable opportunity to play golf with Arnold Palmer several times—memories he treasured.

Richard had a lifelong passion for automobiles, particularly his beloved 1964½ Ford Mustang, which he owned and drove for approximately 40 years. He loved working on old Mustangs, restoring and fixing them whenever he could.

Richard was also an avid gardener. After retirement, he spent more than 42 years caring for and improving the yard he loved, continually working on his garden and property. His hands were rarely still, and he took great pride in making his home and surroundings beautiful.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Rae Cross; his parents, Ella Francys Cross and Clyde L. Stanley, Sr. (Carol); his sister, Elizabeth Ann Stanley; and his brothers, Milton Stanley, Don A. Stanley, Larry M. Stanley, Clyde Lowell Stanley (Betty), and Jerald Cross (Janet).

He is survived by his children, Deborah L. Bier (Matthew) and Richard W. Cross, Jr. (Lourdes); his grandchildren, Rose Bier Draper (Jonathan), James O. Bier, Tony Cross, and Lily F. Cross; his great-granddaughter, Shiloh Rae Draper; his brother, Galen Stanley; his sisters, Francys Ludington (Dave) and Jenny Kneschke (Alan); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Colonel Richard W. Cross, Sr. lived a life of service, adventure, accomplishment, and, above all, love. He served his country proudly, traveled the world, flew the aircraft he loved, played his guitar, tended his garden, worked on his Mustangs, enjoyed countless rounds of golf, and took great pride in his family. He was always a morally virtuous, steadfast and honorable man who displayed probity in all matters.

He and Linda built a life together that endured for more than 65 years. Their love was the foundation of their family and a beautiful example to everyone who knew them. Now, after only a short time apart, they are together again.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored by the family he cherished.

Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.