AVA, Donald M. Cross, 71, of Ava, passed away at 3:00 A.M. Sunday, December 28, 2008, at his home in Ava, IL. Donald was born April 17, 1937 in Ava, Illinois the son of William M. Cross and Turzie (Crisler) Cross. He married Ann S. Creasy on November 5, 1955 in St. Louis, MO. They were married 53 years. He retired from Menard Correctional Center in June of 1994 after 26 years of service. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church in Ava. Donald leaves his wife Ann of Ava; three children, Mitzie McBride of Ava, Donnie Cross of Eldorado, Dee Cross of Carbondale; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one brother, Ronald Cross of Ava; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, five sisters and one grandson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. Robert Boyett officiating. Burial will follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava on Monday from 6 to 8 pm and on Tuesday from 7:30 am until the hour of service. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.