Outstanding Bangor Citizen

Charles E. Cross, grandson of Bangor's first settler, Charles U. Cross, was born in Bangor January 14, 1882 and passed away July 18, 1959. 
  He was one of Bangor's outstanding citizens. He was known widely through his business dealings. His interest ranged far, and he was able to make a success of many enterprises. Honesty and integrity were his guide, and he won and kept the respect of all who were privileged to associate with him.
  He was interested in the affairs of the world and the welfare of our country. He traveled a great deal and visited many foreign countries. He took an interest in the affairs of him community and its welfare. Moral and religious affairs were his concerns.
  Ha had interest in the social and cultural life of his community. He enjoyed music and drama and the finer thinks of life. He was a loyal patron to all that was good and uplifting in the community. He enjoyed his friends and his fellowship with people. He was humorous and witty and enjoyed the give and take of wit and good fellowship. He was indeed a man of wide interests and note-worthy accomplishments.
  The closest concern of Mr. Cross was his family and home life. He was a model in this respect. He never allowed the great success of his business affairs to interfere with his duty as a husband, father and brother. Diligence to the family responsibility was a rule of his life that was never broken.

Following closely his concern for his family and home life, Mr. Cross's great interest was his spiritual life and his love for his church. He was born and lived all his life in the same house (which stood where the new West Michigan Savings Bank now stands). He had been a member of the Simpson Methodist church over 65 years.
No worthy cause ever lacked his support od concern not only in Bangor, but in the surrounding communities. No member has ever been more faithful in keeping the vows of church. His calm judgments and keen insights served to guide the church in both spiritual and temporal affairs.
He was forward looking and yet cautious. He was always more then willing to support any program that would build the kingdom of God here on earth. The homes, hospitals and colleges of his church were his concern and he willingly gave his support to their needs. The musical and educational programs in the church were of special interest to him. He always led in these enterprises and his attitudes and example were an example to all.
The seed of Christian faith was planed in his heart early in life, and there it continued to grow and develop for over half a century until branches of its influence reached far and wife into every area of the community.
This faith lifted him up in all the trials and tribulations of his life. He bore his share of personal suffering and trials of living.
This was the way he lived. This was his life. May God grant that some of its influences will rub off on ours.

Taken from part of the funeral sermon "This was His Life" delivered by Rev. John W. Cermak, a former minister of Simpson United Methodist Church.