Master Sgt.(retired) Leland Thomas Cross

Master Sgt.(retired) Leland Thomas Cross aged 84, born on April 5, 1940, gently slipped into the hands of our Lord and Savior after a brief illness on January 23, 2025. 

Leland was the second oldest of 7 brothers, born to Arthur Marvin Cross and Rosa Lee Cross(Willis) in Nicholasville, KY. 

He settled in Lexington, KY to raise his family with a strong work ethic.  He was a true patriot who was honored to serve as a soldier. He had an immense pride in his country and appreciated the liberties that being an American afforded. While in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Leland completed nursing school and received his license as a Licensed Practical Nurse. He worked at the VA Hospital on Leestown Rd in what is now known as a “Memory Care Unit”. He was trained as a medic at Fort Sam in Houston, TX and was prepared to tend to his fellow soldiers in the field if ever called to do so. Later in his career, Lee became a member of Recruitment and Retention until his retirement from service in 1993.

Leland was also a businessman. In the 70’s, he owned the Tolly Ho restaurant in Richmond, KY. As his Recruitment and Retention career came to an end in the 90's, he opened a sports card and memorabilia business called Fielder’s Choice, which was located on Southland Drive in Lexington. He made many good friends during that time. 

Once the shop closed and Lee went into what was to be his “retirement”, he found sitting idle and being given “honey-do” lists wasn’t exactly how he wanted to spend that time. He took a job working at the Shell Station at the corner of Saron Dr. and Man O’ War. He greatly enjoyed serving the public in that capacity and did so until his beautiful wife of 47 years, Robyn Dean Cross(Coyle) for which his love was immeasurable, left his side to wait for him in Heaven. 

Afterwards, when going out in public with Leland, you would usually find him talking to someone he knew. It was just as likely for him to be approached by a former recruit in Garland, Texas, as it was for him to encounter someone in Lexington from the card shop. Most everywhere he went, someone recognized him. It never failed. And he never failed to stop and shake a hand or speak to those who knew him. 

Leland is survived by his five children: Craig Cross(Melissa) of Lexington, Scott Cross(Jamie) of Lawrenceburg, Cindy Marcus(Charlie) of Winchester, Regina Cross of Lexington, and Christy Cross(Brad) of Nicholasville; a brother Danny Cross(Hattie) also of Nicholasville; 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and innumerable nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors that loved him and knew his heart. 

Aside from his beloved wife, Lee was preceded in death by his parents and 5 of his brothers. 

He will be grievously missed by those who truly loved and respected him. We are grateful that our memories and love will carry us through until we are together again. 

A celebration of his life and service will be held on February 22, 2025 at 2:00pm at Clark Legacy Center, 601 E. Brannon Rd., Nicholasville KY followed by a gathering of family and friends until 4:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to one of the following be made in Leland’s memory:

Make A Wish Foundation 

St Jude’s Hospital

Wounded Warrior Project