Phillip Theodore “Ted”/”PT” Cross

Phillip Cross, 94 passed away on June 23, 2021 in his home with family members by his side and is now on Eternal Patrol.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the service on Saturday, July 10 2021 at 2 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

He was born on the family ranch in Model, Colorado. One of 15 Children he had 10 older sisters, 1 older brother and 3 younger brothers who all preceded him in death.

At the age of 16 he enlisted in the US Navy to serve in World War II. During his time in service, he spent the majority of it on board the Submarine USS-Bumper SS-333 which he was proud of. He was discharged from service at the end of World War II at the age of 19. Later in life he reconnected with his fellow Submarine Veterans being an Active Member of the Topeka-Jefferson City Base, United States Submarine Veterans. He truly enjoyed being around these fellow Submariners. He loved flying and following his service in the Navy, he earned his pilot’s license. He flew his family on many trips with many father/daughter weekend flights letting his daughter be the co-pilot.

After the war he attended Trinidad Junior College and the University of Denver on a football scholarship, where he met his wife, Phyllis and moved to her home town of Lawrence. He completed his Engineering Degree at the University of Kansas while working for his father-in-law, Basil Green of B.A. Green Construction.

After graduating from KU, he moved to Oklahoma where he spent his entire career with Phillips 66 Petroleum Company. While employed with Phillips, his responsibilities required him to travel all over the world. With one of his most notable projects being the Ekofisk Oil field in the North Sea off the coast of Norway. Upon retirement, he moved back to Lawrence.
PT loved being with his family playing cards, having family reunions and getting together, this always put a Big Smile on his face. He was an avid outdoors man, raising and training bird dogs, hunting and fishing. Later in life, he enjoyed golfing. An athlete as well playing Football, Golden Gloves Boxing, and numerous other sports growing up. He also enjoyed being the handy man around the house and working in the yard. He was also a huge KU fan always attending KU Football and Basketball games. He was also a fabulous cook.

He was a Life Member of the KU Alumni Association, American Legion and VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, three children, Christopher (Stella), J. “Sally”, and Miles Cross; and his beloved dogs, Bo and Buffy.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Phillips’s name to: USSVI Charitable Foundation (United States Submarine Veterans Inc.), TJC Base (Topeka-Jefferson City Base) or Visiting Nurses Association. Any of these may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W.13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.