Maurice "Tinker" Cross

Maurice “Tinker” Cross, 80, of Pampa, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2026 in Pampa.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 7. 2026 at Highland Baptist Church with Brother Paul Nachtigall and Zoy Gunter officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Maurice was born November 23, 1945 in Long Beach, California to John and Charlena Cross. He attended school in Pampa. Maurice began his working career at the early age of 15, going to work for Fairview Cemetery. When he turned 16, he went to work for Ideal Food Store. On April 24, 1964, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Gail Honeycutt. Shortly after they married, he enlisted in the US Navy. Maurice served from 1964 until 1968. While he was in the service, they had their first-born child, Marty. After he was discharged, their other two children were born, Tanya and Justin.

Maurice worked for Texico for many years before he decided to start his own plumbing business. He operated that business for several years. Maurice decided to change his career and become a correctional officer at Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He eventually retired after 7 years of service.

Maurice enjoyed many things in life such as playing poker and dominoes with his brothers, coin searching, playing 8 liners, and archery. His witty personality and joke telling seemed to always draw a crowd to wherever he went. He was known to be a bit hardheaded but was a loving person. He loved and cared for his family deeply.

He is preceded in death by parents; brothers, JR Cross and Randall Cross; sister, Avis Smith; son-in-law, Johnny Doan; and his beloved pet, Gracie.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Gail Cross; children, Marty Cross and wife Bonnie, Tanya Doan, Justin Cross, Avery Cross, and Audri Cross; grandchildren, Morie Cross, April Cross, Stephanie Moeller and husband Matt, Tyler Hassell, Sydnie Page and husband Harley, Brycin Cross, Paislee Cross, Keaton Cross, and Lylee Cross; great grandchildren, Damian Santarpia, Dante Santarpia, Hedley Page, and Sutton Page; and his dog, Chloe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to PAWS, PO Box 2095, Pampa, Texas 79066 or Highland Baptist Church, 1301 N. Banks, Pampa, Texas 79065.