Darrell Dwayne Cross

Darrell Dwayne Cross left us on 10/23/2023. Darrell was born on 7/8/1946 to Sybil and Wallace B. Cross by whom he was preceded in death. He was married to the love of his life, Kathleen Ordiway, for 27 years. His parents, Wally and Sybil Cross raised him in a very active home along with his two older brothers, Ron and Brad, and an older sister, Charlene Costello, who grew into hard-working, professional adults.

Darrell was a retired Oilfield and Manufacturing Electrician rarely missing a day in five decades. A single father of Mellissa Lin Cross (husband Terry Wade), Angela Cross-Rinnert (husband Matt Rinnert), and Randall Cross he raised his children in an environment rich with the sound of recorded and live music. Along with his older brother and single father, Ron Cross, there was always a large group of friends to help Darrell with the kids at the Lucard Lounge in the 1970s. Jim Cowan was there to emphasize the importance of music. Raised next door, Darrell also had a special bond with Ron’s children, Craig Cross (deceased), Scott Cross, Veronica Cross Hill, and Nicole Cross Miller.

His musical influence didn’t stop there. When Randy was in high school, he and his dad opened their doors to many young, local musicians. These close friends would go on to join bands that became integral to the Bakersfield music-rock scene that exists to this day. Cliff, Tony, Tamra, and Steve were always great friends to Darrell. Darrell and Kathleen moved into a large home in Southwest Bakersfield, and it served as host to many of his nieces, nephews, and their children, including Ron’s and Charleen’s. The most important thing to him, after all, was family.

His last 20 years were spent in the company of his wife Kathleen, niece Nicole, and her now-deceased husband Fred playing golf, having fun, and traveling. During this period, he reunited with the same great friends who’d helped him with the kids. We’d like to acknowledge you here. Thank you. Darrell loved you all dearly.

He’s survived by his wife Kathleen Cross, Children Angela Marie Cross-Rinnert, and husband Matt their children Patrick and Garratt; Randall Garratt Cross and his children Jack and Greyson; Mellissa Cross and husband Terry Wade. Oldest brother Ron, sons  Craig (deceased); Scott and his sons Scott Jr. and Joshua (deceased); daughter Veronica Hill and her sons Greg and Ben; and daughter Nicole Miller and her daughters Jamie Tweedy (deceased) and Carli Tweedy. Older brother Brad Cross and son Brian and daughter Cara, Older sister Charlene Costello daughter Rebecca Helton; sons Christopher Helton (deceased); Michael John Helton, and son Charles Biles. Jim and Louise Cowan, and Jim’s son, Mike.

He also leaves behind numerous cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents, many of whom will remember him fondly, and others who preceded him in passing.