FAYETTEVILLE — Edward W. Cross,

(Eddie), 60, passed away Sept. 16 at the Circle of Life Hospice Center in Springdale, Ark. He was born May 24, 1960, in Little Rock, Ark. He was adopted by Jim and Catherine Cross on March 3, 1961. He was preceded in death by father James E. (Jim) Cross and mother Catherine K. Cross.

He leaves behind his children, Kyle James and Emma Katherine Cross of Bolivar, Mo.; and their mother, Amber Dixon; sister Le Paris (David) of Tulsa, Okla.; nieces Amanda Ross (Bill) of Bentonville and Becky Moseley of Tulsa; best friend for life Brett Maguire and wife Kim and their children Ryan, Ben and Abby.

Eddie grew up in Fayetteville, graduating from FHS in 1978. He was the manager of the FHS basketball team. He was on the yearbook committee all three years of high school. Growing up in the neighborhood behind Root School, Eddie made friends with anyone who wanted to have fun. Sledding down the hill in the winter, playing kickball on Hope Street, and hunting crawdads in the creek behind Root: these activities were all in a day’s play for him. His laugh and smile were contagious.

He worked for Wonder Bread, Mrs. Baird’s Bread, and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for many years. He always worked hard and played hard. His happy place was always on a river with all of the wonderful friends he gathered over the years. He was an excellent paddler, and possibly a bit of a daredevil. He loved sharing that passion with anyone who wanted to learn.

There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, Oct. 4, on the Mulberry River at 1 p.m. Meet at Campbell Cemetery off Hwy 23 South just north of Turner Bend (north side of river). Coming from the north, turn right just before you cross the bridge, coming from the south turn left just after crossing the bridge. There will be a sign at the turn off.

We have set up a “529 Educational Fund” for his children Kyle and Emma at Wells Fargo Advisors. To contribute make your checks payable to Kyle James Cross and Emma Katherine Cross. Each child should receive a separate donation check. Mail checks to Wells Fargo Advisors, attention: Kraig Williams, 6815 Isaac’s Orchard Road, Suite C, Springdale, Ark., 72762.

Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com .